C=0
I
0
00
Ch
Are you giving
everything
but yourself?
Good investments make
good sense. Nicodemus
knew that. But still he
searched for something
more. "Be born again" Jes
had said. The sight of
Jesus on the cross final-
ized the new birth in
Nicodemus' life. And in tt
years which followed, he
gave his entire wealth to
establish the young churc
And considered it his be:
investment ever.
When the Sabbath Schoc
offering is received this
week, before you give,
re-examine your priorities
in light of the Cross. Whet
Nicodemus did , he
invested his whole life. C(
you think of a better
investment?
Open Heart
Let God's love show through your giving.
GENERAL CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS
Sept4.-4,dea Depeatmt
To Sabbath School Members Around the World
Dear Fellow Believers:
The Trans-Africa Division Family wishes to thank all Sabbath
School members for the liberal support given in the 1978 Special
Project Offering to our Division which was for the erection of
an evangelistic center in the large city-of Kinshasa, Zaire. Now
we have an experienced and capable worker located in this metrop-
olis and further plans are in the development stage.
For our project this quarter, we would like to share with you a
dream we have had for several years: that of building 500 rural
chapels throughout the Division! This is an ambitious project!
Here is the way we believe it can be done: our unions and fields
will select congregations which are most in need of chapels.
Through a co-operative plan of shared expenses the local congre-
gations will prepare and burn kilns of bricks and provide the
labor'for construction. Your funds will be combined with our
available resources to add corrugated iron roofs, cement floors,
doors and windows for these chapels.
You see in some areas, 90 percent of our congregations meet in mud
and thatch buildings. Other congregations meet under trees or out
in the open. We have found, as many of you have, that permanent
church homes do wonders to help stabilize and strengthen our
congregations.
In your mind's eye, visualize these happy groups of people through-
out the countries of our Division, rolling up their sleeves and
launching their brick-making work, seeing the walls of the chapels
go up, the metal roofs added, then the doors and window glasses
fitted in. Then visualize the day of the first meeting in their
new church homes1, Multiplied thousands of voices will be raised
in praise to God and in appreciation to their brethren in all the
world for helping them build clean, modest little chapels.
We have shared our dream with you. On behalf of this Division we
wish to say a hearty "THANK YOU" for helping your brothers and
sisters in Africa realize its fulfillment.
Very cordially yours,
%vide,
oe61-7-
Merle L Mills, President
his is Lucy Henderson's lemonade stand.
Lucy sells lemonade here four days a
week, after school, for 5C a glass. Her
mother donates the lemonade. Lucy
usually sells fifteen glasses of lemonade a day. So
her weekly income is $3.00.
On Sabbath, Lucy puts a quarter and a nickel
into an envelope, marks it "Tithe" and drops it in the
offering plate. That 10% of Lucy's income helps
support the world ministry of the church. Lucy is
happy to return her tithe to the Lord.
Lucy and her daddy both pay tithe on an equal
basis: 10% of income. But how much should Lucy ar
her daddy give in offerings?
Sometimes members are encouraged to give
$2.00. Now to Lucy, $2.00 is more than half her wee!
income. To Lucy's daddy, $2.00 is mere pocket chant
Lucy worries because $2.00 seems so much. Her
daddy feels $2.00 for him is really not enough!
Wouldn't it be better if we planned our offerings
a percentage basis, just like tithe? Many are doing jui
e
t
..
„,
P
ftitii
IIIIMIell
MA
alli
INN
well
ii
MIll
mil
IIII
...
...
11•1111
.....
/
...
11111111
....
1110.
ii,
his is Lucy Henderson's daddy's building.
Lucy's daddy works in an office on the
32nd floor from eight to five each
weekday. Mr. Henderson's weekly
....
1111111
1111111
IIII
MI
um
income is substantially higher than Lucy's.
On Sabbath, Mr. Henderson puts a check into
an envelope, marks it "Tithe" and puts it in the
offering plate. That 10% of his income helps support
Mr.
mil
li
PM
MI
MINI
return
the world ministry of the church.
Henderson is
happy to
his tithe to the Lord.
t. The fact is, if every church member gave as an
:ring 2-3% of income, all world budget financial
!ds, from the
-
support of missions to educational
titutions, would be adequately met. Giving as God has
ssed is always ideal.
Proportionate financial support. It's an idea as old
tithing.
DAYBREAK SERIES
Oct.-Dec./1980
Adult Sabbath School Lessons (USPS 702-480)/No. 342/October-December, 1980
Conient
-
s
1. The Kingdom of Heaven
2. The Poor in Spirit
3. The Mourners
4. The Meek
5. Those That Hunger and Thirst
6. The Merciful
7.
The Pure in Heart
8.
The Peacemakers
9.
The Persecuted
10.
"When Men Shall Revile You"
11.
"Ye Are the Salt"
12.
"Ye Are the Light"
13.
The Two Gates
The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department
of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons
is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which
serve as consulting editors.
Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20012
Lesson Author: Jean Zurcher
Editor: W. Richard Lesher
Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore
Circulation Manager: Arthur R. Mazat
Art and Design: Pacific Press
Braille lessons available. See page 112.
Adult Sabbath School Lesson (standard edition). Published quarterly by Pacific
Press Publishing Association, 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042,
U.S.A. One year subscription in U.S.A., $2.40; single copy, 60 cents. One year sub-
scription to countries outside U.S.A., $3.20; single copy, 80 cents. All prices at U.S.A.
exchange. Second-class postage paid at Mountain View, California 94042, U.S.A.
When a change of address is desired, please send both old and new addresses.
Copyright © 1980 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
HAPPY ARE YE!
Introduction
,The Christians of the last days are called to live in a world that is more and more
complex and more and more corrupt. At the same time, despite increasing iniquity
and the growing coldness of most Christians, God requires that His people "shew
forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light"
(1 Peter 2:9).
It is fitting then to define in some detail the spiritual life that Jesus taught charac-
terizes the citizens of His kingdom. We expect the coming of Jesus in our day, and we
must be fit for it. Ellen White notes that "Enoch's life and character, which were so
holy that he was translated to heaven without seeing death, represent what the lives
and characters of all must be, if, like Enoch, they are to be translated when Christ
shall come."—Our
High Calling,
p. 278.
The characteristics of the citizens of the kingdom are clearly outlined in the first
part of the Sermon on the Mount, usually called the Beatitudes. Here Jesus superbly
portrays the spirit that, beginning here on earth, must imbue all those who hope, one
day, to live in the kingdom of heaven.
"Here He [Jesus] specified who should be the subjects of His heavenly kingdom. He
did not speak one word to flatter the men of the highest authority, the worldly
dignitaries. But He presents before all the traits of character which must be pos-
sessed by the peculiar people who will compose the royal family in the kingdom of
heaven. He specifies those who shall become heirs of God and joint-heirs with
Himself. He proclaims publicly His choice of subjects, and assigns them their place in
His service as united with Himself. Those who possess the character specified, will
share with Him in the blessing and the glory and the honor that will ever come to
Him."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 1084.
For this reason the Beatitudes will serve as the basis of our study this quarter. The
first lesson is introductory to the Beatitudes and is about the kingdom of heaven of
which we are called to be citizens. With the second lesson a study of the Beatitudes of
Jesus is begun and continues through lesson 12. These lessons (2 through 12)
correspond to the Bible passages that Ellen White has included in the chapter "The
Beatitudes" in the book
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing.
Lesson 13 is drawn
from Jesus' illustration of the two gates given near the close of the Sermon on the
Mount. This lesson presents Jesus' appeal to enter "in at the strait gate" (Matt. 7:13),
which represents in part the principles taught in the Beatitudes.
May the careful study of these lessons awaken the desire of each one to grow more
and more I ikeJesus, thus glorifying God and contributing to the hastening of Christ's
kingdom of glory.
7
r
LESSON 1 September 28 to October 4
Klingdan
eaverra
"Hearken, my beloved brethren,
Hath not God chosen the poor of this
world rich in faith, and heirs of the
kingdom which he hath promised to
them that love him?" (James 2:5).
In the Bible the phrases "kingdom
of heaven" or "kingdom of God"
refer more to a kind or quality or
condition of people than to any one
geographical area, political entity,
class, or race. The kingdom of
heaven occurs wherever there are
individuals who freely and
imaginatively live out the value
system of God. "For where two or
three are gathered together in my
name, there am I in the midst of
them" (Matt. 18:20).
Now God has always had a people
to keep the ideals of His kingdom
alive on this earth. In the Old Tes-
tament it was the patriarchs and then
the Hebrew nation. Since the
first advent it has been Christianity.
Unfortunately, the majority of men
and women in every age has rejected
or at least ignored God. From time to
time this has even been true of His
own representatives. God's chosen
people have misinterpreted and
misused the truths entrusted to
them. They have at times lost sight of
God's gracious character and in turn
become exclusive and narrow.
To help us draw a lesson from our
spiritual ancestors, Ellen White said:
"It was the privilege of the Jewish
nation to represent the character of
God as it had been revealed to
Moses. In answer to the prayer of
Moses, 'Show me Thy glory,' the
Lord promised, 'I will make all My
goodness pass before thee.' Ex.
33:18, 19. 'And the Lord passed by
before him, and proclaimed, the
Lord, the Lord God, merciful and
gracious, longsuffering, and
abundant in goodness and truth,
keeping mercy for thousands,
forgiving iniquity and transgression
and sin. Ex. 34:6, 7. This was the
fruit that God desired from His
people.—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pp.
285, 286.
"The Jewish people ... forgot God,
and lost sight of their high privilege
as His representatives. The blessings
they had received brought no
blessing to the world. All their
advantages were appropriated for
their own glorification. They robbed
God of the service He required of
them, and they robbed their fellow
men of religious guidance and a holy
example. . . .
" . . . Their covetousness and greed
caused them to be despised even by
the heathen. Thus the Gentile world
was given occasion to misinterpret
the character of God and the laws of
His kingdom."—Christ's
Object
Lessons,
pp. 291-293.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church
believes it has been entrusted with
special last-day truth about God.
How best to share its insight into the
kingdom of heaven is our subject this
week.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
How to Read the Sermon on the
Mount
(Matt. 5:1)
2.
Recognizing Our Responsibility
(Matt. 5:17-20)
3.
The Kingdom of God Is Here
(Luke 17:20, 21)
4.
Dimensions of the Kingdom-1
(John 1:11)
5.
Dimensions of the Kingdom-2
(Matt. 13:33)
6.
Two Sermons on the Mount
(Ex. 20:19)
The Kingdom of Heaven
LESSON 1
Sunday
September 28
Part 1
HOW TO READ
THE SERMON
ON THE MOUNT
In what context should we study the Sermon on the Mount?
"Seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and
when he was set, his disciples came unto him" (Matt. 5:1).
It's always helpful to consider the context of any scriptural
passage. However, there are special cases where it is almost a
must that we consider the audience and circumstances for
which a certain portion of the Bible was written. This is true in
the case of the Sermon on the Mount. At the very outset in her
book
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
Ellen White offers
the following suggestion: "Let us in imagination go back to that
scene, and, as we sit with the disciples on the mountainside,
enter into the thoughts and feelings that filled their hearts.
Understanding what the words of Jesus meant to those who
heard them, we may discern in them a new vividness and beauty,
and may also gather for ourselves their deeper lessons."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 1.
Who was the intended audience for what has become
known as the Sermon on the Mount? Matt. 5:1.
Jesus' ministry had been in progress for some time when He
decided that the disciples should begin to bear heavier evan-
gelistic responsibilities. He had prayed all night for wisdom to
say precisely what they needed to hear in order to overcome
their inherited misconceptions of His work and role as the
Messiah. The disciples were the intended audience; but, as
always, Jesus was hdppy to share the truth with anyone who was
willing to listen.
What lesson did Jesus want to teach His disciples when He
gave the Beatitudes? Matt. 5:20.
It was not unusual for a Jewish teacher to expound upon the
law in order to refine its application to fit the needs of a specific
time and place. So if Jesus followed this Jewish method of
contrasting the old with the new in the latter part of Matthew 5,
that would not have aroused any suspicion. But content was a
different matter.
The disciples were Jews, and they shared their countrymen's
belief that the Messiah's sole purpose would be to reestablish
the kingdom of Judah. Their understanding of Jesus' mission
was clouded by these false expectations. They needed a correc-
tive.
Are we in need of this corrective today?
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pp. 1-5;
The Desire of
Ages,
pp. 27-30, 577.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
10
The Kingdom of Heaven
LESSON 1
Monday
September 29
Part 2
How should today's church member respond to the Sermon
RECOGNIZING on the Mount?
OUR RESPON-
SIBILITY
"Whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be
called great in the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:19). (See also
verses 17, 18, 20.)
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
God had given His people two gifts: (a) a knowledge of Him-
self, and (b) a knowledge of the ideals He had in mind for
created beings. The chosen people had memorized the ideals
but had lost sight of the God who stood behind them. Hence the
law became a matter for prideful achievement. Religious indi-
viduals were inclined to draw attention to themselves rather
than to God. While God's friends are supposed to be living
evidence for the quality of heaven's values, they are above all
responsible for keeping a true knowledge of God alive in soci-
ety. As we read Hosea 4 and Romans 1, the greatest need of this
world is a knowledge of what kind of person God is.
In what way does God depend upon His earthly friends in
sustaining the values of the kingdom of heaven? Matt. 5:17-
19.
"The Saviour came to glorify the Father by the demonstration
of His love.... The honor of God, the honor of Christ, is involved
in the perfection of the character of His people."—The
Desire of
Ages,
p. 671.
When our spiritual ancestors forgot God, the law became an
end in itself. It became burdensome; joyful and willing obedi-
ence was replaced by legalistic and mechanical obedience.
What is the message of those who would uphold the king-
dom of heaven today? Matt. 5:20.
"It is the darkness of misapprehension of God that is en-
shrouding the world. Men are losing their knowledge of His
character. It has been misunderstood and misinterpreted. At
this time a message from God is to be proclaimed, a message
illuminating in its influence and saving in its power. His charac-
ter is to be made
known."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 415.
Do we concentrate on personal achievement, to the point of
crowding out a desire to share with our neighbors our knowl-
edge of the kind of person God Is?
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Talents" (Multiplied by Use), pp.
353-355;
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 737-742;
Testimonies to Minis-
ters,
pp. 192, 193.
11
2-A.L. 4-80
The Kingdom
of Heaven
LESSON 1
Tuesday
September 30
Part 3
What is the relation between the church and the kingdom of
THE KINGDOM God?
OF GOD
IS HERE
"The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: neither
shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of
God is within you" (Luke 17:20, 21).
The phrases "kingdom of heaven" and "kingdom of God" are
virtually interchangeable: they refer to the presence of God's
values and His offer of salvation. There were moments in Old
Testament history when God's values and His offer of salvation
shone brightly, and there were others when these were hardly
visible. However, it was the life of Jesus that gave a full illumina-
tion of what it means to be a member of the kingdom of God.
Since the time of Christ the Christian church has tried to keep
this illumination vivid, with some success and some failure.
How visible is the kingdom of heaven in the world today?
Luke 17:20.
"The kingdom of God comes not with outward show. It comes
through the gentleness of the inspiration of His word, through
the inward working of His Spirit, the fellowship of the soul with
Him who is its life. The greatest manifestation of its power is
seen in human nature brought to the perfection of the character
of Christ."—The
Ministry of Healing,
p. 36.
This passage in Luke indicates that members of God's king-
dom on earth are difficult to identify by mere external means.
They may be members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church;
they may be in other religious communities. Or like the centu-
rion who came to Jesus, they may show no outward allegiance
to any religion. Eventually all of God's friends will come to-
gether as a remnant, but in the meantime what does their being
scattered throughout all communions and peoples imply?
Why did many of Jesus' countrymen not realize the pres-
ence of the kingdom of heaven? Luke 17:21.
"That which led the Jews to reject the Saviour's work was the
highest evidence of His divine character. . . . The highest evi-
dence that He came from God is that His life revealed the
character of God. He did the works and spoke the words of God.
Such a life is the greatest of all miracles."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 406, 407.
THINK IT THROUGH
When we hear the phrase "kingdom of heaven," do we tend
to think of a specific church or institution, or do we think of an
ongoing witness to the life of Christ?
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pp. 419, 423, 425, 469, 470.
12
The Kingdom of Heaven
LESSON 1
Wednesday
October 1
Part 4
Why do you think the majority of God's chosen people reject
DIMENSIONS Jesus' description of the kingdom of heaven?
OF THE
KINGDOM-1
"He came unto his own, and his own received him not"
(John 1:11).
Jesus' offer of membership in the kingdom of God was re-
jected by most of His countrymen. They challenged His right to
offer membership in the kingdom of God, because His descrip-
tion of the kingdom differed so widely from theirs. Ellen White
says: "The Jews looked for the kingdom of God to be estab-
lished in the same way as the kingdoms of the world. To pro-
mote righteousness they resorted to external measures."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 77. They had completely inverted the
value system of God, which placed service as the most presti-
giOus of virtues.
What did God hope that the Israelites would achieve? Luke
13:18, 19.
"Their obedience to the law of God would make them marvels
of prosperity before the nations of the world. . . .
" . . . As in obedience to His natural laws the earth should
produce its treasures, so in obedience to His moral law the
hearts of the people were to reflect the attributes of His charac-
ter. Even the heathen would recognize the superiority of those
who served and worshiped the living
God."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
pp. 288, 289.
What does it mean to be a faithful member of God's king-
dom? Matt. 6:10.
"Faith is trusting God—believing that He loves us and knows
best what is for our
good."—Education,
p. 253.
Jesus did not reject the law and the inspired guidelines His
countrymen cherished. What He did reject was the picture of
God they had come to entertain. It is a law that people become
like the God they worship. Israel formed their understanding of
God after earthly kings. They had long since forgotten God's
reticence even to permit them a human king and had molded
their religious insights after the principles that moved worldly
governments.
THINK IT THROUGH
Read
The Desire of Ages,
p. 550, and consider to what extent
even ChriOians have adopted worldly values for rating suc-
cess.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"The Lord's Vineyard," pp. 284-296;
The Desire of Ages,
p. 407;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 314.
13
The Kingdom of Heaven
LESSON 1
Thursday
October 2
Part 5
What does God expect of His modern-day representatives?
DIMENSIONS
OF THE
"Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of
KINGDOM-2 heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in
three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened" (Matt.
13:33).
The kingdom of heaven was not withdrawn from the earth
when Jesus ascended to the throne of His heavenly Father.
Through the working of His Spirit in the lives of His earthly
friends, the true principles of God's kingdom were to be kept
attractive and highly visible until He should come again.
In what way is religious truth like leaven? Matt. 13:33.
"As the leaven, when mingled with the meal, works from
within outward, so it is by the renewing of the heart that the
grace of God works to transform the life.... There are many who
try to reform by correcting this or that bad habit, and they hope
in this way to become Christians, but they are beginning in the
wrong place. Our first work is with the heart. . . .
... True obedience is the outworking of a principle within.
. . . The essence of all righteousness is loyalty to our
Redeemer."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pp. 97, 98.
Quite simply, our spiritual ancestors lost sight of their Re-
deemer. Their motives for obedience became pride and a desire
for status of various kinds.
As a church member, what is your role in sustaining the
kingdom of heaven? Ps. 67:1-3.
"Through His people Christ is to manifest His character and
the principles of His kingdom."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p.
296.
"We are to praise God by tangible service, by doing all in our
power to advance the glory of His name. God imparts His gifts to
us that we also may give, and thus make known His character to
the
world."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 300.
THINK IT THROUGH
In a stunning rebuke, Ellen White suggests: "The sin of the
world today is the sin that brought destruction upon Israel.
Ingratitude to God, the neglect of opportunities and blessings,
the selfish appropriation of God's gifts.... They are bringing
ruin upon the world today."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 302.
Could this possibly apply to me?
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Like Unto Leaven," pp. 101, 102;
"The Lord's Vineyard" (The Church of Today), pp. 296-306.
14
The Kingdom of Heaven
LESSON 1
Friday
October 3
Part 6
TWO SERMONS
ON THE MOUNT
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
How do you explain the change in atmosphere between the
giving of the law on Sinai and Jesus' Sermon on the Mount?
"They said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will
hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die" (Ex. 20:19).
There is a striking contrast between the thunderous events
recorded in Exodus 20:18-21 and those—at least initially—
quiet, personal moments set down in Matthew 5. It's almost a
movement from earthquake and fire to the still small voice. Two
great information-giving occasions, but two distinct styles.
How did God communicate with Elijah on the mountain?
1 Kings 19:11, 12.
If Eden gives us an ideal picture of
.
God/man relationships,
then walking and talking with God as with a friend is the pre-
ferred means of communication. This is underlined by the fact
that all through Ellen White's writings the emphasis is on
thoughtful and reasonable apprehension of truth. But God
meets people where He finds them. He adapts His means of
communication to their specific situation.
"An important lesson for every minister of Christ to learn is
that of adapting his labors to the condition of those whom he
seeks to benefit. Tenderness, patience, decision, and firmness
are alike needful; but these are to be exercised with proper
discrimination. To deal wisely with different classes of minds,
under varied circumstances and conditions, is a work requiring
wisdom and judgment enlightened and sanctified by the Spirit
of God."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 385, 386.
How would you have accepted the contrast between Sinai
and the Mount of Blessing? (See Matt. 5:21-26.)
Had we been Jews at the time of Christ's first advent, would
we have accepted Christ, given the prevailing preconceived
notions that the Messiah should work in an atmosphere of
thunder and lightning? Would we have understood that the
reception of truth is progressive, that God refines His presenta-
tion of it as people themselves become more refined? Note this
from Ellen White:
"The Word of God presents special truths for every age....
God is leading out His people step by step. Truth is progres-
sive."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 2, p. 1000.
Do we make it easy for God to approach us?
Counsels on Sabbath School Work,
p. 34.
15
LESSON 2 October 5-11
2.The Poor in Spirit
"Blessed are the poor in spirit: for
their's is the kingdom of heaven"
(Matt.
5:3).
In the next 11 lessons we will study
in detail each trait of Christian
character that Jesus enumerated in
the Beatitudes. "A study of Christ's
wonderful sermon on the mount will
teach the believer what must be the
characteristics of those whom the
Lord calls 'blessed.'
"I thank the Lord that such plain
directions are given to believers. If
we had no other instruction than is
contained in these fewwords, here is
sufficient, so that none need become
bewildered. But we have a whole
Bible full of precious instruction.
None need be in darkness and
uncertainty. Those who will seek by
faith and prayer and earnest study of
the Scriptures to obtain the virtues
here brought to view, will easily be
distinguished from those who walk
not in the light."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
vol. 5, pp. 1083, 1084.
"The beatitudes were His [Christ's]
greeting to the whole human family.
Looking upon the vast throng
gathered to listen to the Sermon on
the Mount, He seemed for the
moment to have forgotten that He
was not in heaven, and He used the
familiar salutation of the world of
light. From His lips flowed blessings
as the gushing forth of a long-sealed
fountain.
"Turning from the ambitious,
self-satisfied favorites of this world,
He declared that those were blessed
who, however great thOir need,
would receive His light'and love. To
the poor in spirit, the sorrowing, the
persecuted, He stretched out His
arms, saying, 'Come unto Me, . . .
and I will give you
rest.'
"—Education,
pp. 79, 80.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Object of
,
the Beatitudes
(Matt. 5:3-11)
2.
Blessed Are the Poor
(Luke 6:20; Matt.
5:3)
3.
Good News to the Poor
(Luke 4:18, 19)
4.
Those Invited to the Feast
(Luke 14:21)
5.
Jesus, Our Example
(2 Cor. 8:9)
6.
The Promise of the Kingdom
(Matt.
5:3;
James 2:5)
The Poor in Spirit
LESSON 2
Sunday
October 5
Part 1
What word did Jesus use to reveal His object in pronouncing
OBJECT the Beatitudes?
OF THE
BEATITUDES
"Blessed are" (Matt. 5:3-11).
"In the opening words of the Sermon on the Mount, Christ
addresses Himself to the supreme desire of every human
heart—happiness. This desire was implanted in man by the
Creator Himself, and was originally ordained to lead him to find
true happiness through cooperation with the God who created
him. Sin is involved when men attempt to achieve happiness as
an end in itself, by a short cut that by-passes obedience to the
divine requirements.
"Thus at the commencement of His inaugural address as King
of the kingdom of divine grace Christ proclaims that the main
objective of the kingdom is to restore the lost happiness of Eden
to the hearts of men, and that those who choose to enter in by
the 'strait' gate and the 'narrow' way (Matt. 7:13, 14) will find true
happiness. They will find inward peace and joy, true and lasting
satisfaction for heart and soul that come only when 'the peace
of God, which passeth all understanding,' is present to keep
their 'hearts and minds through Christ Jesus' (Phil.
4:7)."—
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 324.
According to Matthew, how many beatitudes did Jesus pro-
nounce? Matt. 5:3-12. Compare with Luke 6:20-26.
"The word
makarios
[happy, blessed] appears nine times in
vs. 3-11. But vs. 10, 11 refer to the same aspect of Christian
experience, and are therefore to be considered one beatitude,
thus leaving eight rather than nine beatitudes. Luke gives only
four beatitudes, the first, fourth, second, and eighth of Matthew,
in that order (Luke 6:20-23), but he adds four corresponding
woes (vs. 24-26)."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 324.
THINK IT THROUGH
Should we attribute a symbolic meaning to the Beatitudes
given in the book of Matthew?
If has been said that the Beatitudes are to the spiritual life
what the octave is to music.
We should not imagine that the Beatitudes place candidates
for the kingdom of God in eight distinct categories, not that
there are eight different roads leading to that end. The
Beatitudes, like the fruit of the Spirit, are all part of the whole;
they go together. All the graces will be possessed by the candi-
date for the kingdom of God.
FURTHER STUDY
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, pp. 323, 324, 1084, 1085.
18
The Poor in Spirit
LESSON 2
Monday
October 6
Part 2
BLESSED ARE
THE POOR
Who are the poor mentioned in the first beatitude?
"Blessed are you poor (Luke 6:20, RSV).
"Blessed are the poor in spirit" (Matt. 5:3).
By specifying that this is a matter of spiritual poverty, Jesus
submits that to have right to the kingdom of God, it is not
enough merely to be poor in earthly possessions. This poverty
of spirit—consciousness of spiritual deficiency—alludes to a
certain honesty and humility in assessing one's spiritual pos-
sessions. Without it the materially poor can themselves be at-
tached to riches, desiring passionately to possess them, even
though they do not actually enjoy them. Then the poor, like the
rich, enslaved to a desire for possessions, are not "poor in
spirit."
"Happy are they, He said, who recognize their spiritual pov-
erty, and feel their need of redemption. The gospel is to be
preached to the poor. Not to the spiritually proud, those who
claim to be rich and in need of nothing, is it revealed, but to
those who are humble and contrite. One fountain only has been
opened for sin, a fountain for the poor in spirit."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pp. 299, 300.
Why does God choose the poor rather than the rich to inherit
the kingdom? James 2:5.
In reality God is not partial to special groups. He does not
exclude anyone. If the Messianic promises are addressed espe-
cially to the disinherited, to the poor of the world, it is because
by circumstance they are more inclined to turn to God and to
look to Him for all things. It is their inner inclinations that render
the poor more open to the gospel, not poverty itself. On the
other hand, history bears witness that the poor of every age and
of every country are the first to respond to God's call. (See 1 Cor.
1:26-29.) Jesus pointed out this fact in the parable of the mar-
riage supper.
THINK IT THROUGH
What characteristic of the rich forms an obstacle to answer-
ing Christ's call?
The obstacle is not money itself; rather it is a selfish attach-
ment to money, the greedy quest for it, selfish possession of
worldly wealth, limitless confidence in riches, the poor man's
envy of the rich, the rich man's avarice. After declaring, "How
hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of
God!" Jesus clarified His statement by adding, "How hard is it
for them that trust riches to enter into the kingdom of God!"
(Mark 10:23, 24).
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:2, 3), pp. 6-9.
19
The Poor in Spirit
LESSON 2
Tuesday
October 7
Part 3
GOOD NEWS
TO THE POOR
THINK IT THROUGH
What terms used by the prophet Isaiah to foretell the work of
the Messiah did Jesus borrow to announce His mission?
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath
anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me
to heal the brokenhearted" (Luke 4:18, 19).
"Christ came to preach the gospel to the poor. He reached the
people where they were. He brought plain, simple truth to their
comprehension."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary.
vol. 5, pp. 1119, 1120.
"Christ came to this earth to walk and work among the poor
and suffering. They received the greatest share of His attention.
And today, in the person of His children, He visits the poor and
needy, relieving woe and alleviating suffering."—Testimonies,
vol. 7,
p. 226.
The poor occupied an important place in our Lord's teach-
ings, and the early church knew how to put these teachings into
practice.
What proof of His Messiahship did Jesus send to John the
Baptist? Matt. 11:2-5.
Miracles and the preaching of the good news to the poor were
the signs that Jesus gave to John's envoys, who had been sent
to ascertain if Jesus was indeed the Messiah announced by the
prophets and expected by Israel.
The poor spoken of in the Bible were not necessarily desti-
tute. The word was especially used to designate the peasantry,
who were ravaged as much by the ruling Jews as by the occupy-
ing power, particularly after the exile.
The poor in Israel are mentioned in certain of the psalms. (See
Pss. 40:17; 69:33; 109:31.) The prophets were their defenders; it
was to them that they announced the Messianic kingdom. They
are the ones of whom it was said that they awaited "the consola-
tion of Israel" and "redemption in Jerusalem" (Luke 2:25, 38).
Although they were mistaken about the nature of His kingdom,
God announced the Messiah's advent to them first: the
shepherds, Simeon, Anna. Joseph and Mary were of their
number—of them who were able to offer only the sacrifices of
the poor in the temple. (See Luke 2:21-24.) It was also to the
poor in Israel that Jesus first preached the good news of salva-
tion.
Following the example set by the early church, are we ready
to provide for the material and spiritual needs of those less
fortunate than we? (See Acts 2:44, 45; 11:28-30.)
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies, vol.
7, pp. 226-228.
20
The Poor in Spirit
LESSON 2
Wednesday
October 8
Part 4
What lesson did Jesus wish to teach in the parable of the
THOSE marriage supper?
INVITED TO
THE FEAST
"Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and
bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the
blind" (Luke 14:21).
"The Jews commonly supposed that persons suffering either
financially or physically were in ill favor with God, and thus
these classes were often despised and neglected by their fellow
men. . . . God, presumably, had cast them off, and society
therefore considered them outcasts also. In this parable Jesus
denies that such persons are despised by God, and declares
that they should not be despised by their fellow men, even when
their sufferings may be due to their own misdeeds or unwise
course of action. The poverty stricken and physically defective
here seem to represent primarily those who are morally and
spiritually bankrupt. They have no good works of their own to
offer God in exchange for the blessings of salvation."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 809.
What example did Jesus give us that illustrates perfectly
who are the "poor in spirit"? Luke 18:9-14.
"In the days of Christ the religious leaders of the people felt
that they were rich in spiritual treasure. The prayer of the
Pharisee, 'God, I thank Thee, that I am not as the rest of men'
(Luke 18:11, R.V.), expressed the feeling of his class and, to a
great degree, of the whole nation. But in the throng that sur-
rounded Jesus there were some who had a sense of their
spiritual poverty.... In these souls, Christ's words of greeting
awakened hope; they saw that their lives were under the bene-
diction of
God."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pp.
6, 7.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I able to judge myself, to know the feelings of my own
heart?
" 'The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked; who can know it?' Jer. 17:9. The lips may express a
poverty of soul that the heart does not acknowledge. While
speaking to God of poverty of spirit, the heart may be swelling
with the conceit of its own superior humility and exalted righ-
teousness. In one way only can a true knowledge of self be
obtained. We must behold Christ. It is ignorance of Him that
makes men so uplifted in their own righteousness. When we
contemplate His purity and excellence, we shall see our own
weakness and poverty and defects as they really
are."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 159.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Two Worshipers," pp. 150-163.
)21
The Poor in Spirit
LESSON 2
Thursday
October 9
Part 5
How did Christ's life exemplify His teachings on the subject
JESUS, of poverty?
OUR EXAMPLE
"Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he
was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through
his poverty might be rich" (2 Cor. 8:9).
"After Christ had condescended to leave His high command,
step down from an infinite height and assume humanity, He
could have taken upon Him any condition of humanity He might
choose. But greatness and rank were nothing to Him, and He
selected the lowest and most humble walk of life. The place of
His birth was Bethlehem, and on one side His parentage was
poor, but God, the owner of the world, was His Father.
"No trace of luxury, ease, selfish gratification, or indulgence
was brought into His life, which was a continual round of self-
denial and self-sacrifice. In accordance with His humble birth,
He had apparently no greatness or riches, in order that the
humblest believer need not say Christ never knew the stress of
pinching poverty. Had He possessed the semblance of outward
show, of riches, of grandeur, the poorest class of humanity
would have shunned His society; therefore He chose the lowly
condition of the far greater number of the people."—Ellen G.
White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, pp. 903, 904.
Where do we find the perfect example of humility? Phil.
2:5-8.
"For Paul, all spiritual life centers in Christ, and when he
wishes to inculcate lessons of unity and humility, he can find no
better method than to present, in outline form, the story of his
Master's career, as the supreme exemplification of the virtues
he desires the Philippians to possess. . . . Christ left a state of
inexpressible glory, took upon Himself the most humble form of
humanity, and performed the most lowly of offices, that men
might be saved. Christians are to frame their lives according to
this great example."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 154.
THINK IT THROUGH
What should we do to remain humble?
"In order to preserve humility, it would be well to remember
how we appear in the sight of a holy God, who reads every secret
of the soul, and how we should appear in the sight of our fellow
men if they all knew us as well as God knows us. For this reason,
to humble us, we are directed to confess our faults, and improve
this opportunity to subdue our
pride."—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p.
211.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
p. 477.
22
The Poor in Spirit
LESSON 2
Friday
October 10
Part 6
THE PROMISE
OF THE KINGDOM
THINK IT THROUGH
What magnificent promise is made to them who feel spiritu-
ally poor?
"Their's is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:3). (See also
James 2:5.)
"This kingdom is not, as Christ's hearers had hoped, a tem-
poral and earthly dominion. Christ was opening to men the
spiritual kingdom of His love, His grace, His righteousness. The
ensign of the Messiah's reign is distinguished by the likeness of
the Son of man. His subjects are the poor in spirit, the meek, the
persecuted for righteousness' sake. The kingdom of heaven is
theirs. Though not yet fully accomplished, the work is begun in
them which will make them 'meet to be partakers of the inheri-
tance of the saints in light.' Colossians
1:12."—Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing,
p. 8.
From what kind of poverty do Laodicean Christians suffer?
Rev. 3:17, 18.
"It is difficult for those who feel secure in their attainments,
and who believe themselves to be rich in spiritual knowledge, to
receive the message which declares that they are deceived and
in need of every spiritual grace. The unsanctified heart is 'de-
ceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.' I was shown
that many are flattering themselves that they are good ChriS-
tians, who have not a ray of light from Jesus. They have not a
living experience for themselves in the divine life. They need a
deep and thorough work of self-abasement before God before
they will feel their true need of earnest, persevering effort to
secure the precious graces of the
Spirit."—Testimonies,
vol. 3,
p. 253.
Lord, anoint my eyes that I may see!
"Jesus had presented the cup of blessing to those who felt
that they were 'rich, and increased with goods' (Revelation
3:17), and had need of nothing, and they had turned with scorn
from the gracious gift. He who feels whole, who thinks that he is
reasonably good, and is contented with his condition, does not
seek to become a partaker of the grace and righteousness of
Christ. . . . Those who know that they cannot possibly save
themselves, or of themselves do any righteous action, are the
ones who appreciate the help that Christ can bestow. They are
the poor in spirit, whom He declares to be blessed."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 7.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 3, pp. 252-256.
23
LESSON 3 October 12-18
3.The Mourners
"Blessed are they that mourn: for
they shall be comforted" (Matt. 5:4).
"Blessed are ye that weep now: for
ye shall laugh" (Luke 6:21).
Jesus presents God's answer to the
problem of human suffering in the
second beatitude. Not by discussing
whether God is its author nor by
explaining why He permits it in our
lives and in our world, but simply by
promising us a sure consolation.
Actually Jesus was not satisfied
merely to give us an encouraging
word. He came "to fulfil what was
spoken by the prophet Isaiah, 'He
took our infirmities and bore our
diseases' " (Matt. 8:17, RSV). "A man
of sorrows, and acquainted with
grief" (Isa. 53:3), "He himself bore
our sins in his body on the tree, that
we might die to sin and live to
righteousness. By his wounds you
have been healed" (1 Peter 2:24,
RSV).
And furthermore, "Although he
was a Son, he learned obedience
through what he suffered" (Heb. 5:8,
RSV), proving by example the
sanctifying worth of the trials God
permits. In this life one will never
fully understand the role that
suffering plays in the perfecting of
character. "Faith, patience,
forbearance, heavenly-mindedness,
trust in your wise, heavenly Father,
are the perfect blossoms which
mature amidst clouds and
disappointments and
bereavements."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol. 7,
p. 934.
"By themselves, suffering and
tribulation have no power to make
men Christlike. In fact, they make
many men morose and bitter. But
God sanctifies tribulation, and those
who find in Him grace and strength
to endure have solved one of the
great problems of life. .
In the
providence of God, tribulation and
sorrow can lead us closer to Him.
Should men not therefore praise
Him for tribulation and let it be a
steppingstone to the kingdom of
God?"—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 828.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Promise of Consolation and Joy
(Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21)
2.
Partakers of His Holiness
(Jer. 6:19)
3.
Two Kinds of Sorrow
(2 Cor. 7:10)
4.
Christ's Sorrow
(Luke 19:41; Matt. 26:36-38)
5.
Grace to Suffer for Christ
(Phil. 1:29, 30)
6.
Consolation and Hope
(2 Cor. 1:3-5)
The Mourners
LESSON 3
Sunday
October 12
Part 1
PROMISE OF
CONSOLATION
AND JOY
What significance should be given to the mourning and
tears mentioned in the second beatitude?
"Blessed are those who mourn" (Matt. 5:4, RSV).
"Blessed are you that weep now" (Luke 6:21, RSV).
The close relationship between the first and second beati-
tudes should be considered. No one will deny the literal mean-
ing of the second beatitude. Our Lord demonstrated it, and,
moreover, He devoted the best of His ministry to the afflicted,
the sick, the unfortunate.
But this beatitude, like the first, finds full meaning when it is
applied to the spiritual life. "The mourning here brought to view
is true heart sorrow for
sin."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
p. 9.
"The profound spiritual poverty of the 'poor in spirit' . . . is
matched by the deep mourning of the persons described in v. 4.
In fact, it is a deep sense of spiritual need that leads men to
`mourn' for the imperfection they see in their own lives. . . .
Christ here refers to those who, in poverty of spirit, long to reach
the standard of perfection (cf. Isa. 6:5; Rom. 7:24). There is a
message of comfort here also for those who mourn because of
disappointment, bereavement, or other sorrow."—S.D.A.
Bible
Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 325.
How is our Lord's promise to the afflicted realized both
today and in the future? Matt. 5:4; Luke 6:21.
As the poor and the underprivileged of this world place their
confidence in God's promises, there is and there will be conso-
lation for them. The hope of a better world comforts them now:
it is already a consolation for them, a source of joy. The parable
of the rich man and Lazarus teaches us that he who places his
confidence in God and patiently endures suffering in this world
will know the joy and happiness of God's children in the ages to
come. (See Luke 16:19-31.) But there is more!
"As God meets the sense of spiritual need with the riches of
the grace of heaven ... , so He meets the mourning over sin with
the comfort of sins forgiven. Except there be first a sense of
need, there will not be mourning for what one lacks—in this
case, righteousness of character. Mourning for sin is thus the
second requirement made of those who present themselves as
candidates for the kingdom of heaven, and follows naturally in
sequence after the first step."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol.
5, p. 325.
What other Bible texts teach the same truth as that of the
second beatitude? (See Jer. 31:13; Ps. 126:5, 6.)
The Desire of Ages,
p. 300.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
26
The Mourners
LESSON 3
Monday
October 13
Part 2
What does the Bible teach concerning the afflictions of
PARTAKERS OF men?
HIS HOLINESS
"Hear, 0 earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people,
even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hear-
kened unto my words, nor to my law, but rejected it" (Jer. 6:19).
"No truth does the Bible more clearly teach than that what we
do is the result of what we are. To a great degree the experi-
ences of life are the fruition of our own thoughts and deeds.
" 'The curse causeless shall not come.' Proverbs 26:2. . . .
"Terrible is this truth, and deeply should it be impressed.
Every deed reacts upon the doer. Never a human being but may
recognize, in the evils that curse his life, fruitage of his own
sowing. Yet even thus we are not without
hope."—Education,
p.
146.
What is God's purpose in permitting afflictions? And what is
their immediate effect on us? Heb. 12:10, 11.
God does not cause our misfortunes, but He does use them to
lead us back to Him, to teach, to correct, to educate, to sanctify
us. "Through affliction God reveals to us the plague spots in our
characters, that by His grace we may overcome our faults.
Unknown chapters in regard to ourselves are opened to us, and
the test comes, whether we will accept the reproof and the
counsel of God. When brought into trial, we are not to fret and
complain. We should not rebel, or worry ourselves out of the
hand of Christ. We are to humble the soul before God. The ways
of the Lord are obscure to him who desires to see things in a
light pleasing to himself. They appear dark and joyless to our
human nature. But God's ways are ways of mercy and the end is
salvation."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 301.
THINK IT THROUGH
How do you understand trials?
"The trials of life are God's workmen, to remove the im-
purities and roughness from our character. Their hewing,
squaring, and chiseling, their burnishing and polishing, is a
painful process; it is hard to be pressed down to the grinding
wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in
the heavenly temple. Upon no useless material does the Master
bestow such careful, thorough work. Only His precious stones
are polished after the similitude of a
palace."—Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing,
p. 10.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:4), pp. 9-13.
27
3-A.L. 4-80
The Mourners
LESSON 3
Tuesday
October 14
Part 3
TWO KINDS
OF SORROW
What is the difference between godly sorrow and the sorrow
of the world?
"Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be
repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death" (2 Cor.
7:10).
"In 'godly sorrow' there is recognition and admission that one
has wronged God and his fellow men, adequate effort to right
the wrong, and a reorientation of the life with the purpose of
avoiding a repetition of the same mistakes. . .
" ... Worldly sorrow consists of regret for the consequences
of the sin rather than for the sin itself, and at being discredited
before the world and worldly friends (1 Sam. 15:30). Worldly
sorrow plays only upon the surface of the problem. It mounts no
higher than the man himself, and his own feelings. It leads to
future regret and to deeper distress. It fills the mind with discon-
tent, the heart with resentment and chagrin. It embitters and
shortens life. A person who truly repents will never regret hav-
ing done
so."—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 884.
What biblical examples best illustrate the two kinds of sor-
row? Matt. 27:3-5; Luke 22:60-62.
"Perhaps the supreme illustration of the difference between
true and false sorrow for sin lies in the contrast between Peter
and Judas during the trial of Jesus. Both felt bitter remorse, but
with the one there was true sorrow for sin, which led to a new life
in Christ; with the other there was only sorrow for the conse-
quences, which led to utter despair and then suicide."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 884.
The original Greek makes a clear distinction between the
repentance of Peter, which was produced by godly sorrow, and
that of Judas. In the first example, the word
metanoia,
which is
used, denotes a change of mind, of goals, of direction—that is,
conversion. In the case of Judas, the word
metamelomai,
which
is employed, means regret, mere remorse.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have you experienced godly sorrow?
"Real sorrow for sin is the result of the working of the Holy
Spirit. The Spirit reveals the ingratitude of the heart that has
slighted and grieved the Saviour, and brings us in contrition to
the foot of the cross. By every sin Jesus is wounded afresh; and
as we look upon Him whom we have pierced, we mourn for the
sins that have brought anguish upon Him. Such mourning will
lead to the renunciation of sin."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 300.
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pp. 88-93.
28
The Mourners
LESSON 3
Wednesday
October 15
Part 4
What was the reason for Christ's sorrow?
CHRIST'S
SORROW
"When he drew near and saw the city he wept over it" (Luke
19:41, RSV).
"Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane ... he
began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, 'My
soul is very sorrowful, even to death' " (Matt. 26:36-38, RSV).
(Compare Heb. 5:7, 8.)
Not all affliction and sadness are necessarily the direct con-
sequence of sin. The sufferings of Job, like those of Jesus, prove
this. Christ's sadness was indeed caused by sin, but not His
own. Jesus suffered because of the sins of others and of the
world. He was profoundly saddened by the callousness of the
Pharisees (Mark 3:5); He cried over Jerusalem, because of the
indifference of her children to the salvation God was offering
them, which they finally rejected.
"It was the sight of Jerusalem that pierced the heart of
Jesus—Jerusalem that had rejected the Son of God and
scorned His love, that refused to be convinced by His mighty
miracles, and was about to take His life. He saw what she was in
her guilt of rejecting her Redeemer, and what she might have
been had she accepted Him who alone could heal her wound.
He had come to save her; how could He give her
up?"—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 576.
The sadness experienced by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsem-
ane was caused by His dread of the death that brings about
complete separation from God. "Upon Him who knew no sin
must be laid the iniquity of us all. So dreadful does sin appear to
Him, so great is the weight of guilt which He must bear, that He is
tempted to fear it will shut Him out forever from His Father's
love. Feeling how terrible is the wrath of God against.transgres-
sion, He exclaims, 'My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto
death.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
p. 685.
What consoled Jesus in His sufferings? Heb. 12:2; Isa.
53:10, 11.
"He [Jesus] knew that He would live to see the results 'of the
travail of his soul,' and was 'satisfied' (Isa. 53:11). To share
eternity with the ransomed of all ages and the unfallen beings of
other worlds was a prospect that brought utter joy to our
Lord."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol. 7,
p. 482.
THINK IT THROUGH
"Looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith....
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against
himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted"
(Heb. 12:2, 3, RSV).
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 685-690.
29
The Mourners
LESSON 3
Thursday
October 16
Part 5
What special grace is promised to the believer in regard to
GRACE TO suffering?
SUFFER FOR
CHRIST
"Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to
believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; having the same
conflict which ye saw in me" (Phil. 1:29, 30).
"Of all the gifts that heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship
with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the
highest honor. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not
Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of.fire, was greater or more
honored than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the
dungeon."—The
Ministry of Healing,
p. 478.
"Faithful Christians, from apostolic times onward, have been
glad to suffer for the Master's sake (Acts 5:41; 1 Peter 3:14;
4:12-14). Those who face the trials of the last days must possess
that same true sense of values. Severe as were the tests of Peter
and his associates, they were little compared with those of the
last great times of trouble. Only one thoroughly persuaded that
it is the highest of honors and the greatest of blessings to be
permitted to suffer for Christ's sake will persevere through
times when the unrestrained fury of Satan is unleashed."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 150.
How should a Christian consider participation in Christ's
sufferings? 1 Peter 4:12-16; Col. 1:24.
Following Christ's example, the Christian should patiently,
victoriously endure the trials of the present life, when their goal
is the advancement of God's work on earth. It is therefore an
honor and a source of joy to share the sufferings of Christ for His
body, which is His church. Like Jesus, who did it "for the joy that
was set before him" (Heb. 12:2), His disciple will do it in antici-
pation of the joy and gladness that are reserved for the day when
Jesus shall appear in His glory. (See 1 Peter 4:13.)
THINK IT THROUGH
A thought to ponder daily: What does sharing in the work of
Christ mean to you?
"Blessed are they also who weep with Jesus in sympathy with
the world sorrow and in sorrow for its sin. In such mourning
there is intermingled no thought of self.... All who are followers
of Christ will share in this experience. As they partake of His love
they will enter into His travail for the saving of the lost. They
share in the sufferings of Christ, and they will share also in the
glory that shall be revealed. One with Him in His work, drinking
with Him the cup of sorrow, they are partakers also of His
joy."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pp. 12, 13.
FURTHER STUDY
Early Writings,
pp. 46-48.
30
The Mourners
LESSON 3
Friday
October 17
Part 6
What assurance should be ours in all our trials? And, in turn,
CONSOLATION what ministry has been entrusted to us?
AND HOPE
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us
in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those
who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we our-
selves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in
Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in
comfort too" (2 Cor. 1:3-5, RSV).
These words renew the assurance given by Jesus in the sec-
ond beatitude—consolation for the Christian in each of his
trials. Through Jesus, God provided "the consolation of Israel"
(Luke 2:25). By His Spirit He still makes provision for "all our
affliction" (2 Cor. 1:4, RSV).
Moreover, he who knows this comfort through experience
with his God is, in turn, able to sympathize with a suffering
brother and, in God's name, to minister consolation to him.
What relationship did Paul establish between affliction and
hope? Rom. 5:3-5.
"Patient endurance of tribulation tests, confirms, and refines
the Christian's faith. Out of this comes ever more confident
hope. It is the believer's initial hope of sharing in the glory of
God (see v. 2) that nerves him to endure in the first place. And as
he continues to endure, he gains a steady, calm assurance.
Hope and faith grow as they are tested and exercised. . . . The
experience of Job illustrates how the severe discipline of
character can strengthen the faith and hope of a sincere
believer."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 525.
What marvelous comfort is offered to those who await the
restoration of all things? Rev. 7:17; 21:4.
"This earth is the place of preparation for heaven. The time
spent here is the Christian's winter. Here the chilly winds of
affliction blow upon us, and the waves of trouble roll against us.
But in the near future, when Christ comes, sorrow and sighing
will be forever ended. Then will be the Christian's summer. All
trials will be over, and there will be no more sickness or death.
'God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be
no more death,• neither sorrow, nor crying .. . : for the former
things are passed away.' "—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 988.
THINK IT THROUGH
How should we evaluate suffering and trial? (See Rom. 8:18;
2 Cor. 4:17, 18.)
31
r
LESSON 4 October 19-25
40The
'©1
"Blessed are the meek: for they
shall inherit the earth" (Matt. 5:5).
"Throughout the Beatitudes there
is an advancing line of Christian
experience. Those who have felt
their need of Christ, those who have
mourned because of sin and have sat
with Christ in the school of affliction,
will learn meekness from the divine
Teacher."—Thoughts
From the
Mount of Blessing,
pp. 13, 14.
In all the Scriptures God speaks
with special affection of those who
are gentle in character. Tenderly He
encourages them with precious
promises and then presents them to
us as our ensamples. After the meek
gain the victory over self, they take
possession of the kingdom which
God has prepared for them.
Let us join Ellen White, a great
pioneer of the remnant church, in
her entreaty: "Give me immortal
worth. Let me grasp the golden chain
that is let down from heaven to earth,
and let it draw me up to God and
glory. This is my ambition; this is my
aim.... Let me be clothed with that
meek and quiet spirit which is in the
sight of God of great price. And I
recommend it to you, ydung
gentlemen and ladies, for it is more
precious in His sight than the gold of
Ophir. It is this which makes a man
more precious than fine gold, even a
man than the golden wedge of
Ophir."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 593.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Need of a Definition
(Matt. 5:5)
2.
Jesus, Model of Meekness
(Matt. 11:28, 29)
3.
From Violence to Meekness
(Num. 12:3)
4.
A Priceless Virtue
(1 Peter 3:3, 4)
5.
To Be Christlike
(Phil. 2:5; Col. 3:12; Eph. 4:1, 2)
6.
Seek Meekness
(Phil. 4:5)
The Meek
LESSON 4
Sunday
October 19
Part 1
In the third beatitude what spiritual virtue is held in high
NEED OF A esteem?
DEFINITION
"Blessed are the meek" (Matt. 5:5).
The Hebrew word
anaw
and its Greek equivalent praus are not
always translated in the same way. Modern languages give the
word
meek
an implied meaning of "mousy," "tame," ''timid,"
"docile"; so today meekness often suggests weakness or a lack
of strength of character. To understand this beatitude we
should note the meaning of the word
meek.
"A distillation of inspired definition would seem to charac-
terize meekness as an absence of self-seeking and a presence
of self-forgetfulness. It is 'government of self'
(Testimonies,
vol.
4, p. 348), 'a calm and trustful spirit,' lowliness of heart'
(The
Desire of Ages,
p. 301), 'the ornament of God's own choice'
(The
Sanctified Life,
p. 16). Meekness, then, is an inward calm and
peace of mind that shows itself in outward gracious, courteous,
kind, and friendly behavior. It has been termed 'an attitude of
mind and heart that prepares the way for sanctification.' "—
J. M. Lien,
Review and Herald,
August 16, 1973.
How should we interpret the promise made to the meek?
Matt. 5:5.
Through the psalmist God promised the earth to the meek
(Ps. 37:11). Daniel said it is "the kingdom under the whole
heaven" that "shall be given to the people of the saints of the
most High" (Dan. 7:27). But the earth promised by Jesus is
above all the earth restored, "a new earth, wherein dwelleth
righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13).
Another interpretation, however, should not be excluded. Is
not self-control the first victory gained by the meek? As gentle-
ness of character naturally conquers hearts, it works itself into
another's favor more effectively than does force or talent. That
is why gentleness must characterize the peaceful conquerors
whom Jesus sends into the world to prepare it for His kingdom.
THINK IT THROUGH
According to this definition of gentleness, what is the first
weakness every Christian must overcome?
"Human nature is ever struggling for expression, ready for
contest; but he who learns of Christ is emptied of self, of pride,
of love of supremacy, and there is silence in the soul. Self is
yielded to the disposal of the Holy
Spirit."—Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing,
p. 15.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:5), pp. 13-18.
34
The Meek
LESSON 4
Monday
October 20
Part 2
From whom can we learn meekness best?
JESUS,
MODEL OF
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I
MEEKNESS will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for
I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your
souls" (Matt. 11:28, 29).
Jesus not only teaches truth; He
is
truth. Whatever He
teaches, He lived; what He asks His hearers to become, He
Himself is. That is why He can invite men to come to Him, the
One who is "meek and lowly in heart." The source of His gentle-
ness and His humility is in Himself, in His heart, a heart filled
with devotion and compassion for mankind (Matt. 9:36).
"We are to enter the school of Christ, to learn from Him
meekness and lowliness. Redemption is that process by which
the soul is trained for heaven. This training means a knowledge
of Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 330.
What event in the life of Christ, announced by the prophet
Zechariah, especially illustrates His gentleness and His
humility? Matt. 21:4, 5.
"Through all the lowly experiences of life He consented to
pass, walking among the children of men, not as a king, to
demand homage, but as one whose mission it was to serve
others. There was in His manner no taint of bigotry, no cold
austerity. The world's Redeemer had a greater than angelic
nature, yet united with His divine majesty were meekness and
humility that attracted all to Himself."—Thoughts
From the
Mount of Blessing,
p. 14.
"In this one triumphant scene [triumphal ride into Jerusalem]
of His earthly life, the Saviour might have appeared,escorted by
heavenly angels, and heralded by the trump of God; but such a
demonstration would have been contrary to the purpose of His
mission, contrary to the law which had governed His life. He
remained true to the humble lot He had accepted. The burden of
humanity He must bear until His life was given for the life of the
world."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 571.
THINK IT THROUGH
What was the principal object of Jesus' teaching? What
should be our chief concern?
"He [Jesus] said nothing to gratify curiosity or to stimulate
selfish ambition. He did not deal in abstract theories, but in that
which is essential to the development of character; that which
will enlarge man's capacity for knowing God, and increase his
power to do good. He spoke of those truths that relate to the
conduct of life and that unite man with eternity."—Education, p.
81
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 328-332.
35
The Meek
LESSON 4
Tuesday
October 21
Part 3
What do we know about Moses as a young man? And what
FROM do the Scriptures testify concerning him in later life? Num.
VIOLENCE 12:3.
TO MEEKNESS
"Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and
was mighty in words and in deeds" (Acts 7:22).
Moses was not naturally a meek man. (See Ex. 2:11-14.) Con-
vinced that he was to be the liberator of the Israelites, he sought
to obtain their liberation by force of arms.
"In the military schools of Egypt, Moses was taught the law of
force, and so strong a hold did this teaching have upon his
character that it required forty years of quiet and communion
with God and nature to fit him for the leadership of Israel by the
law of
love."—Education,
p. 65.
"There were other lessons that, amid the solitude of the
mountains, Moses was to receive. In the school of self-denial
and hardship he was to learn patience, to temper his passions."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 247.
What testimony did the apostle Paul bear concerning the
transformation of his character? 1 Tim. 1:12, 13; Acts 8:3;
26:9-11; 2 Tim. 3:10.
Note, first, some of the expressions that Paul used to describe
his character before conversion: "blasphemer," "persecutor,"
"injurious," "extremely zealous." "I persecuted the church of
God violently and tried to destroy it" (Gal. 1:13, RSV). In the book
of Acts, Luke points out the same brutality: "Saul was ravaging
the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men
and women and committed them to prison" (8:3, RSV). In his
discourse before King Agrippa, Paul declared: "I myself was
convinced that I ought to do many things in opposing the name
of Jesus of Nazareth . . . ; I . . . shut up many of the saints in
prison, ... and I punished them often in all the synagogues and
tried to make them blaspheme; and in raging fury against them,
I persecuted them" (Acts 26:9-11, RSV).
Several years later this same Paul, who had become an im-
itator of Christ, wrote: "When reviled, we bless; when perse-
cuted, we endure; when slandered, we try to conciliate" (1 Cor.
4:12, 13, RSV). Then, as he faced death, Paul again said of
himself, and charged his closest co-worker to bear him witness:
"You have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my
faith, my patience, my love" (2 Tim. 3:10, RSV).
THINK IT THROUGH
Although the transformation of life is not so spectacular as
that of Moses or Paul, the goal before you is the same. "I urge
you, then, be imitators of me" (1 Cor. 4:16, RSV).
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 245-248;
The Acts of the Apos-
tles,
pp. 119-121.
36
The Meek
LESSON 4
El
Wednesday
October 22
Part 4
A PRICE-
LESS VIRTUE
THINK IT THROUGH
What did the apostle Peter write of meekness?
"Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plait-
ing the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not
corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
which is in the sight of God of great price" (1 Peter 3:3, 4).
"Meekness is the inward adorning, which God estimates as of
great price. The apostle speaks of this as more excellent and
valuable than gold or pearls or costly array. While the outward
adorning beautifies only the mortal body, the ornament of
meekness adorns the soul and connects finite man with the
infinite God. This is the ornament of God's own choice. He who
garnished the heavens with the orbs of light has by the same
Spirit promised that 'he will beautify the meek with salvation'
(Ps. 149:4). Angels of heaven will register as best adorned those
who put on the Lord Jesus Christ and walk with Him in meek-
ness and lowliness of mind."—The
Sanctified Life,
p. 16.
What recommendation does Paul make to every man of God
concerning the fruit of the Spirit, of which meekness is a part?
Gal. 5:22, 23; 1 Tim. 6:11.
"Meekness in the school of Christ is one of the marked fruits
of the Spirit. It is a grace wrought by the Holy Spirit as a
sanctifier, and enables its possessor at all times to control a
rash and impetuous temper. When the grace of meekness is
cherished by those who are naturally sour or hasty in disposi-
tion, they will put forth the most earnest efforts to subdue their
unhappy temper. Every day they will gain self-control, until that
which is unlovely and unlike Jesus is conguered."—The
Sancti-
fied Life,
p. 15.
To what length should we go to acquire this virtue, which is
of such great value in God's eyes?
"The most precious fruit of sanctification is the grace of
meekness. When this grace presides in the soul, the disposition
is molded by its influence. There is a continual waiting upon
God and a submission of the will to His. The understanding
grasps every divine truth, and the will bows to every divine
precept, without doubting or murmuring. True meekness sof-
tens and subdues the heart and gives the mind a fitness for the
engrafted word. It brings the thoughts into obedience to Jesus
Christ."—The
Sanctified Life,
pp. 14, 15.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 348.
37
The Meek
LESSON 4
Thursday
October 23
Part 5
In what words did Paul exhort us to be meek and humble like
TO BE Jesus?
CHRISTLIKE
"Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus"
(Phil. 2:5).
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved,
compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience"
(Col. 3:12, RSV).
"I therefore ... beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to
which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness"
(Eph. 4:1, 2, RSV).
"To man is granted the privilege of becoming an heir of God
and a joint heir with Christ. To those who have been thus
exalted, are unfolded the unsearchable riches of Christ, which
are of a thousandfold more value than the wealth of the world.
Thus, through the merits of Jesus Christ, finite man is elevated
to fellowship with God and with His dear Son."—The
Sanctified
Life,
p. 17.
How is gentleness manifest in the life of a child of God?
1.
By receiving "with meekness the implanted word, which is
able to save your souls" (James 1:21, RSV).
2.
By his treatment of others: "shewing all meekness unto all
men" (Titus 3:2).
3.
By his manner of petitioning his fellowmen: "Now I Paul
myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ"
(2 Cor. 10:1).
4.
By his manner of instructing souls in the truth: "Exhort with
great patience and instruction" (2 Tim. 4:2, NASB).
5.
By the way he corrects his adversaries: "Correcting his
opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant that they
will repent and come to know the truth" (2 Tim. 2:25, RSV).
THINK IT THROUGH
In order to do God's work, it is necessary to be Christlike in
spirit and to act with the same graciousness that He man-
ifested at all times.
"The value of our work does not consist in making a loud
noise in the world, in being zealous, eager, and active in our
own strength. The value of our work is in proportion to the
impartation of the Holy Spirit. The value of our work comes
through trust in God, which brings holier qualities of mind, so
that in patience we may possess our souls.... The cause of God
is best advanced by those who are meek and lowly in heart."—
Evangelism,
p. 631.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
p
:
354.
38
The Meek
LESSON 4
Friday
October 24
Part 6
How is the Christian most effective in making Christ known
SEEK to the world?
MEEKNESS
"Let all men know your forbearance. The Lord is at hand"
(Phil. 4:5, RSV).
Throughout all ages the true strength of Christianity has been
in the love that men manifest one toward another. Not only love
for those who love us, or for our neighbor, but also for our
enemies. (See Matt. 5:43-46.) "How they love one another!" was
the testimony that people bore concerning the first Christians. It
is also what the world should be able to say of the church
entrusted with the proclamation of God's last message for a
doomed world.
"Those who claim to believe in Christ are to represent Christ
in deeds of kindness and mercy. Such will never know until the
day of judgment what good they have done in seeking to follow
the example of the Saviour."—Welfare
Ministry.
p. 86.
"If we would humble ourselves before God, and be kind and
courteous and tenderhearted and pitiful, there would be one
hundred conversions to the truth where now there is only
one."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 189.
What exhortation did Zephaniah address especially to
those who were then living on the eve of God's day of wrath?
Zeph. 2:1-3.
"It is not sinners who are here addressed, but all the meek of
the earth, who have wrought His judgments or kept His com-
mandments. There is work for everyone, and if all will obey, we
shall see sweet union in the ranks of Sabbathkeepers."—
Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 426. '
"You need to learn of Jesus, who is meek and lowly of heart,
and then you will obtain rest.... You need to humble your heart
before God, and seek meekness and righteousness, that you
may be hid in the day of the Lord's fierce
anger."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 222.
THINK IT THROUGH
What do you consider to be the strongest evidence of Chris-
tian nobility?
"The highest evidence of nobility in a Christian is self-control.
He who under abuse or cruelty fails to maintain a calm and
trustful spirit robs God of His right to reveal in him His own
perfection of character. Lowliness of heart is the strength that
gives victory to the followers of Christ; it is the token of their
connection with the courts above."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 301.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 622, 623.
39
LESSON 5 October 26 to November 1
5.Those T
Hunger a
d 'Mint
"Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness, for they
shall be satisfied" (Matt. 5:6, RSV).
With each beatitude the character
of a true disciple of Christ is
portrayed more clearly. Each, in turn,
sheds light upon a different facet of
Christian character.
Rare is the man who does not
hunger and thirst after
righteousness. In the evil world in
which we live the unsatisfied are
legion. Many are they who,
consciously or unconsciously, feel
the inner emptiness of human misery
and suffer from a kind of soul
sickness. Surely the hungering and
thirsting after righteousness has
never been greater than it is today.
In speaking of the signs that are to
take place just before the coming of
our Lord in glory, the prophet Amos
foretold a spiritual famine: "not a
famine of bread, nor a thirst for
water, but of hearing the words of
the Lord" (Amos 8:11, RSV). And,
despite the Master's proMise, the
prophet specified further: "In that
day the fair virgins and the young
men shall faint for thirst" (verse 13,
RSV), because they have not drunk at
the only Source able to quench their
thirst.
It is not enough to hunger and
thirst after righteousness in order to
be filled. One still must go to Him
who has been "made unto us
wisdom, and righteousness, and
sanctification, and redemption"
(1 Cor. 1:30). Being the only
Righteous One, He alone is able to
invite men to come and drink at the
Source of the water of life freely (Rev.
22:17).
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Hungering and Thirsting for
Righteousness
(Matt. 5:6)
2.
The Righteousness of God
(Matt. 6:33)
3.
Christ Our Righteousness
(Rom. 3:21-24)
4.
Justified by Grace
(Luke 15:3-7)
5.
Justification Taught in Parables
(Luke 15:11-32)
6.
Righteousness and the Kingdom
of Heaven
(Matt. 5:20)
Those That Hunger and Thirst
LESSON 5
Sunday
October 26
Part 1
What is the meaning of the word "righteousness" as used in
HUNGERING AND the fourth beatitude?
THIRSTING FOR
RIGHTEOUSNESS
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righ-
teousness" (Matt. 5:6).
"In every instance of its use in the NT (94
times) dikaiosune
is
translated 'righteousness.' Among the Greeks 'righteousness'
consisted in conformity to accepted customs. To the Jews it was
essentially a matter of conformity to the requirements of the law
as interpreted by Jewish tradition. (See Gal. 2:16-21.) But for
Christ's followers, righteousness took on a broader meaning.
Instead of going about to establish their own righteousness,
Christians were called to submit 'themselves unto the righ-
teousness of God' (Rom. 10:3). They sought for the righteous-
ness 'which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness
which is of God by faith' (Phil.
3:9)."—S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,
vol. 5, p. 326.
What assurance does Jesus give to all who hunger and
thirst for righteousness? Matt. 5:6.
This metaphor was especially meaningful to Christ's hearers,
most of whom had experienced hunger and thirst at one time or
another. Moreover, no word could have been more pleasing to
their ears than the promise of righteousness at a time when
Israel was awaiting the advent of the Messiah with the hope that
He would deliver them from their yoke of bondage, establish
righteousness, and administer law over all people.
"Only those who long for righteousness with the eager anxi-
ety of a man starving for lack of food or famishing for want of
water, will find it. No earthly source can satisfy the hunger and
thirst of the soul, whether it be material riches, profound
philosophies, the satisfaction of physical appetites, or honor
and power. After experimenting with all of these things, Sol-
omon concluded that 'all is vanity.'
"—S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary,
vol. 5, p. 326.
THINK IT THROUGH
Under what condition can we appropriate the Master's prom-
ise to those who hunger and thirst for righteousness?
"The sense of unworthiness will lead the heart to hunger and
thirst for righteousness, and this desire will not be disap-
pointed. Those who make room in their hearts for Jesus will
realize His love. All who long to bear the likeness of the charac-
ter of God shall be satisfied."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 302.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:6), pp. 18-21.
42
Those That Hunger and Thirst
LESSON 5
Monday
October 27
Part 2
THE RIGH-
TEOUSNESS
OF GOD
What righteousness does Jesus invite us to seek above all
other things?
"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;
and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matt. 6:33).
The righteousness of God should be the constant concern of
the Christian. There are pagans who seek only the com-
monplace needs of daily life; that is, they are blind to the true
reality of life, ignorant of God and of His redemptive act. He who
hungers and thirsts after righteousness will never be satisfied
until he finds true righteousness, the righteousness of God in
the person of Jesus Christ.
"The righteousness of God is embodied in Christ. We receive
righteousness by receiving Him.
"Not by painful struggles or wearisome toil, not by gift or
sacrifice, is righteousness obtained; but it is freely given to
every soul who hungers and thirsts to receive it.... 'This is His
name whereby He shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGH-
TEOUSNESS.' Jeremiah
23:6."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
p. 18.
According to the prophet Daniel, what type of righteousness
would the
.
Messiah bring to earth? Dan. 9:24.
"Men will learn of the reconciliation for iniquity and of the
everlasting righteousness which the Messiah has brought in
through His sacrifice. The cross of Calvary is the great center.
This truth acted upon will make Christ's sacrifice effectual. This
is that which Gabriel revealed to Daniel in answer to fervent
prayer. It was of this that Moses and Elijah and Christ talked at
His transfiguration. By the humiliation of the crass He was to
bring everlasting deliverance to all who would walk after Him,
giving positive evidence that they are separated from the
world."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, pp. 1172, 1173.
THINK IT THROUGH
The truth of "everlasting righteousness" is also the heart
(center) of "the everlasting gospel."
"The message of Christ's righteousness is to sound from one
end of the earth to the other to prepare the way of the Lord. This
is the glory of God, which closes the work of the third angel."—
Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 19.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 2, pp. 265, 266.
43
4-A.L. 4-80
Those That Hunger and Thirst
LESSON 5
Tuesday
October 28
Part 3
How does the believer receive the righteousness of God?
CHRIST OUR
RIGHTEOUSNESS
"Now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart
from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it,
the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all
who believe. For there is no distinction; since all have sinned
and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace
as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus"
(Rom. 3:21-24, RSV).
"When in love and gratitude the believer in Jesus commits
himself without reservation to the mercy and will of God, the
righteousness of justification is imputed to him. And as he
continues daily in this experience of trust, surrender, and fel-
lowship, his faith increases, enabling him to receive more and
more of the imparted righteousness of sanctification."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 502.
What is the goal of righteousness by faith? Rom. 6:18, 19.
"The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of
sin; it means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with
the graces of the Holy Spirit.... When Christ reigns in the soul,
there is purity, freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness, the
completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the life."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
pp. 419, 420.
"God sent His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, so that men
might be enabled fully to comply with the righteous require-
ments of His holy law. To bring man's life into harmony with the
divine will is the purpose of the plan of salvation. God did not
give His Son in order to change or abolish His law, or to release
men from the necessity of perfect obedience. The law has al-
ways stood as an expression of the unchangeable will and
character of God. Fallen man has been unable to obey its re-
quirements, and the law has possessed no power to strengthen
him to obey. But now Christ has come to make it possible for
man to render perfect obedience."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 562.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I understand the difference between imputed and im-
parted righteousness?
44
FURTHER STUDY
"The righteousness by which we are justified is imputed; the
righteousness by which we are sanctified is imparted. The first
is our title to heaven, the second is our fitness for heaven."—
Messages to Young People,
p. 35.
Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
art.
"This Is Justification by Faith," vol. 6, pp. 1070, 1071.
Those That Hunger and Thirst
LESSON 5
Wednesday
October 29
Part 4
In the parable of the lost sheep, who is the seeker? What
JUSTIFIED does this teach about salvation? Luke 15:3-7.
BY GRACE
The parable of the lost sheep teaches clearly that God calls
after man while he is still lost and that all Heaven rejoices when a
single sinner repents. Jesus affirmed this truth when He said,
"The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was
lost" (Luke 19:10).
The lost man, like the lost sheep, can never find his way to
God of himself, neither by his intelligence or through force of
will. That is why, while we are still His enemies, God reconciles
us to Himself "by the death of his Son" (Rom. 5:10). "In this was
manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his
only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through
him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us,
and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 4:9,
10).
What is the central truth of the parable of the Pharisee and
the publican? of the great debtor? Luke 18:9-14; Matt. 18:23-
35.
The parable of the Pharisee and the publican aptly illustrates
the fact that justification is possible only through faith and not
by works. Full of self-righteousness, the Pharisee was not
among those who hunger and thirst for the righteousness of
God. His numerous works, so he thought, were sufficient for
him. The publican, on the contrary, counted only on God's
mercy when he prayed, "God be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke
18:13). In conclusion Jesus affirmed: "This man went down to
his house justified rather than the other" (verse 14).
The parable of the great debtor teaches that salvation is free.
Like that servant, the sinner is incapable of repaying his debt to
God. Having called upon God's patience, like the king in the
parable, our Lord is "moved with compassion" and has forgiven
his debt (Matt. 18:27).
THINK IT THROUGH
We are not saved
by
good works but
for
good works.
"By
grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not
your own, doing, it is the gift of God—not because of works, lest
any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in
Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand,
that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:8-10, RSV).
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"This Man Receiveth Sinners" (The
Lost Sheep), pp. 186-192.
45
Those That Hunger and Thirst
LESSON 5
Thursday
October 30
Part 5
How does the parable of the prodigal son illustrate both the
JUSTIFICATION fourth beatitude and the doctrine of imputed righteousness?
TAUGHT IN
Luke 15:11-32.
PARABLES
Jesus never employed the expressions "justification by faith"
or "imputed" and "imparted righteousness." Instead of
theological expressions, which are always abstract and some-
times obscure, Jesus used concrete, living lessons that every-
one could understand. In this way the parable of the prodigal
son wonderfully illustrates the doctrine of imputed righteous-
ness. The prodigal son experienced physical and spiritual
hunger as a consequence of his foolish behavior, and this led
him to repentance. He also experienced the joy of having his
father satisfy his needs with blessings and kindness. How well
this account depicts the sinner's dependence upon God for
both his title to heaven and his fitness for it.
By the "best robe" is symbolized God's imputing of Christ's
righteousness to man in response to his faith in God's pardon of
his sins.
In what way does the parable of the marriage feast teach
the doctrine of imparted righteousness? Matt. 22:1-14.
"The parable of the wedding garment opens before us a
lesson of the highest consequence. By the marriage is repre-
sented the union of humanity with divinity; the wedding gar-
ment represents the character which all must possess who shall
be accounted fit guests for the wedding."—Christ's
Object Les-
sons,
p. 307.
"By His perfect obedience He [Christ] has made it possible for
every human being to obey God's commandments. When we
submit ourselves to Christ, the heart is united with His heart, the
will is merged in His will, the mind becomes one with His mind,
the thoughts are brought into captivity to Him; we live His life.
This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His
righteousness. Then as the Lord looks upon us He sees, not the
fig-leaf garment, not the nakedness and deformity of sin, but His
own robe of righteousness, which is perfect obedience to the
law of
Jehovah."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 312.
THINK IT THROUGH
Both imputed and imparted righteousness are acts of God's
grace.
"We have nothing in ourselves of which to boast. We have no
ground for self-exaltation. Our only ground of hope is in the
righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and in that wrought by
His Spirit working in and through
us."—Steps to Christ,
p. 63.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Lost and Is Found," pp. 198-211.
46
Those That Hunger and Thirst
LESSON 5
0
Friday
October 31
Part 6
What solemn warning did Jesus give His disciples to put
RIGHTEOUSNESS them on guard against a false interpretation of the righteous-
AND THE KINGDOM ness of God?
OF HEAVEN
"I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the
scribes and Pharisees, you will never
,
enter the kingdom of
heaven" (Matt. 5:20, RSV).
Jesus did not abolish His law, nor did He release His disciples
from the obligation to observe it. Instead, He enlarged upon its
requirements. Christians, generally speaking, believe that
Christianity is an easing ofJudaism. They are pleased to seta
religion of love and pardon up over a religion of stern justice;
they even go so far as to speak of the Jewish law as being in
opposition to Christian grace, as if salvation by grace releases a
person from obedience to God's law.
Far from making void the law, faith establishes it (Rom. 3:31),
and grace makes its observance possible (Rom. 8:4), not simply
according to the letter of the law, but in its spirit. This is possible
because God writes His law in the heart (1-leb. 8:10). He requires
more than formal observance of its requirements. The scribes
and Pharisees viewed the demands of the law as resting upon
acts and deeds, but Jesus' requirements plumb the very secret
intents of the heart. Our Lord requires more, not less, from
those who are candidates for His kingdom.
What characterizes the kingdom of heaven, according to
the promises found in the Word of God? 2 Peter 3:13.
Righteousness will not be fully realized until the return of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Then will be manifest "the righteous judg-
ment of God; who will render to every man according to his
deeds" (Rom. 2:5, 6).
In that day those who hunger for the righteousness of God will
be fully satisfied. They will be ushered into "a new earth,
wherein dwelleth righteousness" (2 Peter 3:13). "And there
shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither
whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they
which are written in the Lamb's book of life" (Rev. 21:27).
THINK IT THROUGH
,For what reason did God give us the Scriptures with their
commands and promises?
"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching,
for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good
work" (2 Tim. 3:16, 17, RSV).
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 584-586.
47
LESSON 6 November 2-8
6.71
-
ile Men]111111
"Blessed are the merciful: for they
shall obtain mercy" (Matt. 5:7).
The preceding beatitude (Matt.
5:6) referred to the moral character
of an individual. It affirmed that a
soul hungering and thirsting to see
right prevail would be abundantly
filled.
The fifth beatitude, the subject of
this week's lesson study, confronts
the Christian with his obligation
toward his neighbor, because it is
impossible to be merciful without
sharing with another what God
Himself has in mercy given him. He
who has been filled must in turn
nourish those who hunger and thirst
in this world in which we live. "Freely
ye have received, freely give" (Matt.
10:8) is the Lord's mandate to His
disciples.
Jesus Himself is our great Example,
the supreme manifestation of divine
mercy. "See what love the Father has
given us, that we should be called
children of God; and so we are"
(1 John 3:1, RSV). "In this is love, not
that we loved God but that he loved
us and set his Son to be the expiation
for our sins" (1 John 4:10, RSV).
This love embraces all humanity.
"In making all mankind prisoners to
disobedience, God's purpose was to
show mercy to all mankind" (Rom.
11:32, NEB). God's mercy knows no
limit except the callousness of the
sinner's heart. The promise is
certain; every man who, following
our Lord's example, shows himself
merciful will obtain mercy.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The merciful
(Matt. 5:7)
2.
God Is Merciful
(Ex. 34:6, 7)
3.
Jesus, •Merciful High Priest
(John 3:16)
4.
In•the Likeness of Our Heavenly
Father
(Luke 6:36)
5.
Forgiven As.We Forgive
(Matt. 6:12, 14, 15)
6.
In the Day of Judgment
(James 2:12, 13)
The Merciful
LESSON 6
El
Sunday
November 2
Part 1
In the fifth beatitude who are described as being recipients
THE MERCIFUL of God's blessing?
"Blessed are the merciful" (Matt. 5:7).
Current language identifies mercy with compassion or par-
don. To give this word all the richness of meaning given it in the
Bible, one must add the ideas of active kindness, graciousness,
tender pity, and, above all, fidelity. Actually, for the Bible writers,
mercy is the coming together of two currents of thought—
compassion and faithfulness: God's compassion toward
men—His people—and fidelity to Himself and to His alliance.
The merciful, then, are those who follow the example of their
heavenly Father and show compassion toward their neighbor,
whoever he might be, and who are faithful in their obligations
toward God.
How must we understand the promise that Jesus made to
the merciful? Matt. 5:7; 7:12.
God promises that whoever is merciful will obtain mercy
himself. Jesus also illustrated this principle in several of His
parables.
This promise is sure in that which concerns God's attitude
toward us. The child of Gad can experience it every day of his
life. But in small measure this principle is also verified in men's
relationships with one another.
"The principle of the golden rule (ch. 7:12) applies both to our
treatment of others and to the kind of treatment they accord us
in return. The cruel, hardhearted, mean-spirited man rarely re-
ceives kind and merciful treatment at the hand of his fellow
man. But how often those who are kind and considerate of the
needs and feelings of others find that the world often repays
them in kind."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 327.
THINK IT THROUGH
What does it mean to be merciful in our everyday life?
"God imparts His blessing to us that we may impart to others.
When we ask him for our daily bread, He looks into our hearts to
see if we will share the same with those more needy than our-
selves. When we pray, 'God be merciful to me a sinner,' He
watches to see if we will manifest compassion toward those
with whom we associate. This is tree evidence of our connection
with God, that we are merciful even as our Father in heaven is
merciful."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, pp. 283, 284.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:7), pp. 21-24.
50
The Merciful
LESSON 6
Monday
November 3
Part 2
GOD IS
MERCIFUL
THINK IT THROUGH
In what terms does God reveal the very essence of His
character to us?
"The Lord passed before him, and proclaimed, 'The Lord,
the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and
abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping stead-
fast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression
and sin" (Ex. 34:6, 7, RSV).
MoseS had already received a revelation of divine transcen-
dency, when God appeared to him in the burning bush. At that
time God revealed His name: "I AM THAT I AM" (Ex. 3:14). At the
time of this second manifestation God revealed to Moses—and
through him to all His children—the very essence of His charac-
ter, infinitely "merciful and gracious." All the words used in this
disclosure tend to underline the infinite goodness of God
toward sinful man. The circumstances under which this revela-
tion was made further emphasize His merciful character. It was
as if it were God's response to the infidelity of the children of
Israel, who had just made a golden calf to worship, and to the
righteous anger of Moses (Ex. 32, 33).
In reality God had already revealed this trait of character when
He wrote His law on the tables of stone that Moses had just
broken. There He stated (in the third commandment), "I the
Lord thy God am a jealous God, . . . shewing mercy unto
thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments"
(Ex. 20:5, 6).
Note these Bible texts which show that the authors took
pleasure in emphasizing the merciful character of God: Neh.
9:17, 31; Ps. 86:15; Joel 2:13; James 5:11.
Actually the whole Bible repeats again and again the thought,
"Father of mercies," as the apostle Paul called Him. (See 2 Cor.
1:3.) The authors of the psalms were particularly happy to sing
of the unfathomable mercy of God, unto which they never
ceased to appeal. They discerned it everywhere, operating
throughout all the history of the children of Israel. Even in His
acts they discovered that "the Lord is merciful and gracious"
(Ps. 103:7, 8).
Not only is God "rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he
loved us" (Eph. 2:4), as the apostle Paul wrote, but the prophet
Micah states, He even "delighteth in mercy" (Micah 7:18).
(Compare Matt. 12:7.)
To what degree does your personal experience allow you to
declare with the psalmist: "All the paths of the Lord are stead-
fast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant
and his testimonies" (Ps. 25:10, RSV)?
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"God's Love for Man," pp. 9-15.
51
The Merciful
LESSON 6
Tuesday
November 4
Part 3
What is the preeminent manifestation of God's infinite
JESUS, mercy?
MERCIFUL
HIGH PRIEST
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
have everlasting life" (John 3:16).
"None but the Son of God could accomplish our redemption;
for only He who was in the bosom of the Father could declare
Him. Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God
could make it manifest. Nothing less than the infinite sacrifice
made by Christ in behalf of fallen man could express the Fa-
ther's love to lost humanity."—Steps
to Christ,
p. 14.
How did Jesus give'evidence of God's mercy in His life and
teaching? Luke 4:18, 19; 19:10; Matt. 5:44.
"This was His work. He went about doing good and healing all
that were oppressed by Satan. There were whole villages where
there was not a moan of sickness in any house, for He had
passed through them and healed all their sick. His work gave
evidence of His divine anointing. Love, mercy, and compassion
were revealed in every act of His life."—Steps
to Christ,
pp. 11,
12.
What was conferred on Jesus in preparation for His high
priesthood in the heavenly sanctuary? Why? Heb. 2:17, 18;
4:14-16.
"Jesus consented to take human nature, that He might know
how to pity, and how to plead with His Father in behalf of sinful,
erring mortals. He volunteered to become man's Advocate, and
He humiliated Himself to become acquainted with the tempta-
tions wherewith man was beset, that He might succor those who
should be tempted, and be a tender and faithful high priest."—
Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 93.
THINK IT THROUGH
Many Christians believe that Christ's sacrifice made God
more favorable toward man. What do you think?
"This great sacrifice was not made in order to create in the
Father's heart a love for man, not to make Him willing to save.
No, no! 'God so loved the world, that He gave His only-begotten
Son.' John 3:16. The Father loves us, not because of the great
propitiation, but He provided the propitiation because He loves
us. Christ was the medium through which He could pour out His
infinite love upon a fallen world. 'God was in Christ, reconciling
the world unto Himself.' 2 Corinthians
5:19."—Steps to Christ,
p. 13.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 350, 351.
52
The Merciful
LESSON 6
Wednesday
November 5
Part 4
In what way does Jesus invite us to imitate our heavenly
IN THE LIKE- Father?
NESS OF OUR
HEAVENLY
"Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful"
FATHER (Luke 6:36).
In its parallel passage in Matthew's Gospel, this verse reads:
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven
is perfect" (Matt. 5:48). In other words, the perfection to which
Jesus calls His disciples is expressed in the mercy that they
show, after the example set by God, not only to those who love
them, but also to their enemies, those who hate and persecute
them. (See Matt. 5:43-47; Luke 6:27-35.)
The character of God which has been revealed to us is our
standard for life. We are invited to become more and more like
Him. "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. Be ye
therefore followers of God, as dear children" (Eph. 4:32 through
5:1).
"God is Himself the source of all mercy. His name is 'merciful
and gracious.' Exodus 34:6. . .
"The merciful are 'partakers of the divine nature,' and in them
the compassionate love of God finds expression. All whose
hearts are in sympathy with the heart of Infinite Love will seek to
reclaim and not to condemn."—Thoughts
From the Mount of.
Blessing,
p. 22.
Exactly what is the lesson taught in the parable of the Good
Samaritan? Luke 10:25-37.
This parable is a perfect illustration of God's mercy in dealing
with man, as well as a vital demonstration of how the Christian
should act toward his neighbor. In truth, the feelings of com-
passion shown to the Samaritan exactly express the holy emo-
tion that made the Son of God come to earth to save humanity.
They are also the sentiments that should impel every Christian
toward his neighbor, whoever he be, every time an occasion of
need arises.
THINK IT THROUGH
Toward whom must we be merciful? Is there ever any trace
of discrimination when we consider this question?
"To the appeal of the erring, the tempted, the wretched vic-
tims of want and sin, the Christian does not ask, Are they
worthy? but, How can I benefit them? In the most wretched, the
most debased, he sees souls'whom Christ died to save and for
whom God has given to His children the ministry of reconcilia-
tion."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 22.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Who Is My Neighbor?" pp. 382-389.
The Merciful
LESSON 6
Thursday
November 6
Part 5
FORGIVEN AS
WE FORGIVE
THINK IT THROUGH
How did Jesus explain the principle of reciprocity expressed
in the fifth beatitude?
"Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." For if ye
forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also
forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither
will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matt. 6:12, 14, 15).
(Compare 7:1, 2.)
"Jesus teaches that we can receive forgiveness from God
only as we forgive others. . . .
" ... He who is unforgiving cuts off the very channel through
which alone he can receive mercy from God. We should not
think that unless those who have injured us confess the wrong
we are justified in withholding from them our forgiveness. It is
their part, no doubt, to humble their hearts by repentance and
confession ... ; but as we hope to be pardoned for our offenses
against God we are to pardon all who have done evil to us."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pp. 113, 114.
Show how the parable of the great debtor is a commentary
on the principle stated by Jesus. Matt. 18:23-35.
"The pardon granted by this king represents a divine forgive-
ness of all sin. Christ is represented by the king, who, moved
with compassion, forgave the debt of his servant."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 244.
"But the great lesson of the parable lies in the contrast
between God's compassion and man's hardheartedness; in the
fact that God's forgiving mercy is to be the measure of our own.
'Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow-
servant, even as I had pity on thee?'
"We are not forgiven
because
we forgive, but
as
we forgive.
The ground of all forgiveness is found in the unmerited love of
God, but by our attitude toward others we show whether we
have made that love our own. Wherefore Christ says, 'With what
judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.' Matt.
7:2."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 251.
"Forgiveness has a broader meaning than many suppose.
... God's forgiveness is not merely a judicial act by which He
sets us free from condemnation. It is not only forgiveness
for
sin, but reclaiming
from
sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love
that transforms the heart. David had the true conception of
forgiveness when he prayed, 'Create in me a clean heart, 0
God; and renew a right spirit within me.' Psalm 51:10."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 114.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"The Measure of Forgiveness," pp.
243-251.
54
The Merciful
LESSON 6
Friday
November 7
Part 6
IN THE DAY
OF JUDGMENT
What should be the rule of conduct for all who expect to
triumph in the day of judgment?
"Speak, act, as those who are to be judged by the law of
freedom; for the judgment will be merciless to the man who
has shown no mercy—whereas the merciful life will triumph in
the face of judgment" (James 2:12, 13, Moffatt).
The apostle James calls to mind the great and awesome
scene of the heavenly judgment. The law of God, which he calls
"the law of freedom," will be the standard by which the charac-
ter and life of men will be judged:
God will not make exception for persons, and "the judgment
will be merciless to the man who has shown no mercy" (verse
13). "A good man sheweth favour" (Ps. 112:5), and "the merciful
life will triumph" (James 2:13, Moffatt). Thus the promises
which Jesus made in the fifth beatitude will be fully realized.
What basic principle will guide the Son of man when the
nations are gathered before Him? Matt. 25:31-46.
The mercy of which Jesus speaks is an active principle ex-
pressed in acts of love toward one's neighbors. If this is not so,
mercy is of little value. In this judgment scene acts of mercy are
presented to us as being the test for admission to the kingdom.
For this same reason James includes acts of mercy in his defini-
tion of "pure and undefiled" religion (James 1:27, RSV).
"When the nations are gathered before Him, there will be but
two classes, and their eternal destiny will be determined by what
they have done or have neglected to do for Him in the person of
the poor and the suffering. . . .
" ... To those whom He sets upon His right hand He will say,
'Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world.'
"—The Desire of
Ages,
p. 637.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is my religion only doctrine? To what extent is it translated
into acts of mercy?
"The merciful 'shall obtain mercy.' . .. There is sweet peace
for the compgssionate spirit, a blessed satisfaction in the life of
self-forgetful service for the good of others. . . .
" . . . The Lord will not fail him in the hour of suffering and
need. . . . And in the hour of final need the merciful shall find
refuge in the mercy of the compassionate Saviour and shall be
received into everlasting habitations."—Thoughts
From the
Mount of Blessing,
pp. 23, 24.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 637-641.
55
LESSON 7 November 7-15
he Ran ilan
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for
they shall see God" (Matt. 5:8).
With the sixth beatitude Jesus
leads us to the wellspring of our
being, the heart. One author has
called it "the inner sanctuary of the
soul." It is on the state of the heart
that purity of thought, word, and
action depend, "for out of the
abundance of the heart the mouth
speaketh." On one occasion Jesus
questioned His hearers, "How can
ye, being evil, speak good things?"
(Matt. 12:34).
In addressing the "pure in heart,"
Jesus was obviously not referring to
absolute moral purity, nor to
irreproachable conduct. Taken in
this way, this declaration would be
completely foreign to the real
meaning of the Beatitudes and to the
essence of the gospel. Jesus
confirmed this when He said, "I
came not to call the righteous, but
sinners" to repentance (Matt. 9:13,
RSV).
Jesus calls sinners—people who
are straightforward, simple, sincere,
honest with themselves and with
God. Here Jesus addresses these
people and promises them a vision of
God because of the purity of their
intentions., Only one thing is
important: to enter into a living and
personal relationship with the
Source of life—to be possessed by
God for life. The pure in heart are
those who search for God with all
their heart, and to such God
promises to reveal Himself.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Heart, a Key Word
(Prov. 4:23)
2.
Man's Heart Is Deceitful
(Matt. 15:18-20)
3.
God Alone Knows the Heart
(1 Kings 8:39; Heb. 4:13)
4.
0 God, Create in Me a Clean
Heart
(Ps. 51:3, 4, 6, 10, 17)
5.
God's Law Written in the Heart
(Heb. 8:10)
6.
They Shall See God
(Matt. 5:8)
The Pure in Heart
LESSON 7
Sunday
November 9
Part 1
What is the meaning of the word "heart" as it is used in the
THE HEART Bible?
A KEY WORD
"Keep your heart with all vigilance; for from it flow the
springs of life" (Prov. 4:23, RSV).
The word
heart
is used hundreds of times in the Bible, but
only rarely—not to say "never"—does the word refer to the
physical organ itself. Furthermore, in a figurative sense, the
Bible authors give the word a much broader meaning than
modern languages attribute to it. For us today the heart is
usually linked with the emotions; in the Bible it designates the
inward man, the intimate, hidden area of the being, as well as
the center of emotions and the intellect.
It should be noted that Bible writers considered the heart to
be the seat of the intellect and, more specifically, the center of
the will. From the heart good and evil thoughts issue, and in the
heart resolutions take shape that determine human destiny.
"When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the
life, the whole being."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary.
vol. 4, p. 1164.
To what did Jesus refer when He spoke of purity of heart?
"Purity of heart, in the sense Christ used it, includes far more
than sexual purity (MB 25); it includes all desirable character
traits to the exclusion of all that are undesirable. To be 'pure in
heart' is equivalent to being clothed with the robe of Christ's
righteousness . . , the 'fine linen' with which the saints are
arrayed (Rev. 19:8; cf. ch. 3:18, 19)—perfection of character.
"It was not ceremonial purity that Jesus had in mind (Matt.
15:18-20; 23:25), but inward cleanness of heart. If the motives
are pure, the life will be pure.
"Those with pure hearts have forsaken sin as a ruling princi-
ple in the life, and their lives are without reserve consecrated to
God. . . . To be 'pure in heart' does not mean that one is
absolutely sinless, but it does mean that his motives are right,
that by the grace of Christ he has turned his back on past
mistakes, and that he is pressing toward the mark of perfection
in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-15)."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol.
5, p. 327.
THINK IT THROUGH
Since "the wisdom that is from above is first pure" (James
3:17), it alone can help us understand more fully what the
Saviour wished to say when He spoke of "the pure in heart."
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:8), pp. 24-27.
58
The Pure in Heart
LESSON 7
Monday
November 10
Part 2
What role of prime importance did Jesus ascribe to the
MAN'S HEART heart?
IS EVIL
"What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and
this defiles a man. For out of the heart come evil thoughts,
murder, adultery, fornication, theft, false witness, slander.
These are what defile a man" (Matt. 15:18-20, RSV). (Compare
Mark 7:21-23.)
The source of evil is found within the heart of man, not
without. Nothing is helped when only the outside is cleansed, as
the Pharisees were accustomed to doing. "First cleanse the
inside of the cup and of the plate," Jesus advised them, "that the
outside also may be clean" (Matt. 23:26, RSV). Without real
transformation of the heart, man cannot bear good fruit. At best
he may appear righteous to men on the outside, but within he
remains "full of hypocrisy and iniquity" (Matt. 23:28).
What explanation is given in the Bible of the heart's disposi-
tion to evil?
The fall of man in Eden took place at the heart level, at the seat
of the intellect and of the will. Adam and Eve exercised their own
wills instead of following God's bidding. Disobedience to the
will of God changed the heart, the very source of man's being,
the wellspring of all issues. That is why, since Eden, every
activity of man bears the stain of his heart, that is, of his mind
and will.
Since Eden the heart of man has been evil. It was because
"the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every
imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continu-
ally" (Gen. 6:5, RSV) that God could not intervene in favor of the
antediluvians. And God has warned that "as it was in the days of
Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of man" (Luke 17:26,
RSV).
THINK IT THROUGH
How is what the Bible terms "hardness of heart" brought
about?
"This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye hence-
forth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the
life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the
blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given
themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness
with greediness" (Eph. 4:17-19).
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pp. 23-26.
59
The Pure in Heart
LESSON 7
Tuesday
November 11
Part 3
GOD ALONE
KNOWS
THE HEART
If "the inward mind and heart of a man are deep," as David
affirms (Ps. 64:6, RSV), who can know it?
"Act, and render to each whose heart thou knowest, accord-
ing to all his ways (for thou, thou only, knowest the hearts of all
the children of men)" (1 Kings 8:39, RSV).
"Before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid
bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do" (Heb. 4:13,
RSV).
The heart of man is difficult to understand. Confusion of
thought makes objective judgment of oneself impossible.
Others can judge only on appearance, which often does not
correspond to the true inner condition because of the natural
duplicity of the heart.
If we think that we can deceive God by hiding anything from
Him, we are only deceiving ourselves. He is able to read our
most intimate secrets, and. He also knows the source from
which issue all our thoughts, words, and actions. Not only does
God see the things that we are able to hide from men, but He
also perceives things that we do not know are there. Even when
"you . . . justify yourselves before men," Jesus stated, "God
knows your hearts" (Luke 16:15, RSV). This is why only God is in
a position to judge. "The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man
looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the
heart" (1 Sam. 16:7).
Through what means does God reach the heart of man?
Heb. 4:12.
One will never completely understand to what extent God
depends on His Word, "the sword of the Spirit," "sharper than
any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit
. . . , and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart"
(Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12, RSV), to dissipate the darkness of the
heart and make the light shine in. We know that by the Word of
God the Spirit takes possession of hearts and leads them into all
truth.
In the measure that man is willing to listen to the Word of God,
the Holy Spirit will open the ears (Isa. 50:5) and "the eyes of your
hearts" (Eph. 1:18, RSV), "until the day dawn, and the day star
arise in your hearts" (2 Peter 1:19).
"God's holy, educating Spirit is in His word. A light, a new and
precious light, shines forth from every page. Truth is there
revealed, and words and sentences are made bright and ap-
propriate for the occasion, as the voice of God speaking to the
soul."—Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 132.
THINK IT THROUGH
Read the prayer in Psalm 139:23,24.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Things New and Old," p. 132.
60
The Pure in Heart
LESSON 7
Wednesday
November 12
Part 4
In order for God to be able to purify the heart, what four
0 GOD, CREATE conditions must be met, as outlined by David in Psalm 51?
IN ME
A CLEAN HEART
"This passage in David's history is full of significance to the
repenting sinner. It is one of the most forcible illustrations given
us of the struggles and temptations of humanity, and of genuine
repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 726.
1.
One must have the courage to recognize his sinful state.
"I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever be-
fore me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this
evil in thy sight" (verses 3, 4).
Without recognition of one's sinful state, without sincere
confession of one's transgressions, there can be no forgive-
ness. "David's repentance was sincere and deep. There was no
effort to palliate his crime. No desire to escape the judgments
threatened, inspired his prayer. . . . It was not for pardon only
that he prayed, but for purity of
heart."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
p. 725.
2.
One must desire to receive truth with all one's heart.
"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward being; therefore
teach me wisdom in my secret heart" (verse 6, RSV).
God uses truth to sanctify us; "thy word is truth" (John 17:17).
On the one hand, by revealing our sins to us, God's Word
permits us to see ourselves as we are (see James 1:23, 24); on
the other hand, it shows us what we can become by His grace.
3.
One must ask God to create in him a new heart.
"Create in me a clean heart, 0 God; and renew a right spirit
within me" (verse 10).
God does not wish merely to tidy the heart; He desires to
create anew one, as He promises in Ezekiel 36:26: "A new heart
also will I give you."
4.
One must offer himself to God as a living sacrifice.
"The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken
and contrite heart, 0 God, thou wilt not despise" (verse 17,
RSV).
What counts in God's eyes is not the exterior aspects of
holiness, but the inner dispositions of the heart and mind. When
these are not what they should be, all the sacrifices and cere-
monies, even prayer itself, are an abomination to God. (See Ise.
1:11-17.)
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 724-726.
61
The Pure in Heart
LESSON 7
Thursday
November 13
Part 5
GOD'S LAW
WRITTEN IN
THE HEART
What marvelous promise does the Lord make with regard to
the condition of the believer under the new covenant?
"This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their
mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a
God, and they shall be to me a people" (Heb. 8:10).
"At Mt. Sinai the Lord wrote His laws on tables of stone (Deut.
4:13), and in a book (ch. 31:24, 26). He intended that these laws
should also be written on the hearts of the people. But the
Israelites were content to regard these statutes simply as an
external code and their observance a matter of outward com-
pliance. God did not intend that His laws should be thus re-
garded. He offered His people the experience of a new heart ... ,
but they were content with only an external religion. Under the
new
covenant men's hearts and minds are changed.... Men do
right, not by their own strength, but because Christ dwells in the
heart, living out His life in the believer.... They are born of the
Spirit and bear the fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23). The change
can be effected only by divine power. Only God can 'put' His law
in the hearts of His followers, though, of course, not without
man's consent and cooperation (Rev. 22:17
...)."—S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol.
7, p. 446.
What should characterize the life and activities of a genuine
Christian? Deut. 4:29; 6:5; Col. 3:23.
God is not pleased with a divided heart, halfhearted service,
occasional piety, diluted Christianity. God demands all or
nothing. "I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou
art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of
my mouth" (Rev. 3:15, 16).
THINK IT THROUGH
To give one's heart to God means simply to submit one's will
to the will of God.
"You cannot change your heart, you cannot of yourself give
to God its affections; but you can
choose
to serve Him. You can
give Him your will; He will then work in you to will and to do
according to His good pleasure. Thus your whole nature will be
brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; your affections
will be centered upon Him, your thoughts will be in harmony
with Him."—Steps
to Christ,
p. 47.
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"The Test of Discipleship," pp. 57-65.
62
The Pure in Heart
LESSON 7
Friday
November 14
Part 6
THEY SHALL
SEE GOD
What promise is made to the pure in heart? How should this
promise be understood?
"Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God"
(Matt. 5:8).
"By faith we behold Him here and, now. In our daily experi-
ence we discern His goodness and compassion in the manifes-
tation of His providence. We recognize Him in the character of
His Son. The Holy Spirit takes the truth concerning God and Him
whom He hath sent, and opens it to the understanding and to
the heart. The pure in heart see God in 'a new and endearing
relation, as their Redeemer; and while they discern the purity
and loveliness of His character, they long to reflect His image.
-
They see Him as a Father longing to embrace a repenting son,
and their hearts are filled with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
"The pure in heart discern the Creator in
the
works of His
mighty hand, in the things of beauty that comprise the universe.
In His written word they read in clearer lines the revelation of His
mercy, His goodness, and His grace.... We discern the truth by
becoming, ourselves,-partakers of the divine nature.
"The pure in heart live as in the visible presence of God during
the time He apportions them in this
world."—Thoughts From
the Mount of Blessing,
pp. 26, 27.
What are two happy results in this life of contemplating the
glory of God? 2 Cor. 3:18.
"It is the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, which Jesus said He
would send into the world, that changes our character into the
image of Christ; and when this is accomplished, we reflect:as in
a mirror, the glory of the. Lord."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 1097.
THINK IT THROUGH
How is it possible to contemplate the Lord's glory?
"Beholding Christ means studying His life as, given 'in His
Word. We are to dig for truth as for hidden treasure. We are to fix
our eyes upon Christ. . . . By beholding we become changed,
morally assimilated to the One who is perfect in character. By
receiving His imputed righteousness, through the transforming
power of the Holy Spirit, we become like Him. The image of
Christ is cherished, and it captivates the whole being."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 1098.
FURTHER STUDY
Ellen G. White Comments,'S.D:A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 6,
pp. 1097-1099.
63
LESSON 8 November 16-22
8.1r11-fle
cetranakell°5
id
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for
they shall be called the children of
God" (Matt. 5:9).
Interestingly, in considering the
seventh beatitude, theologians in
particular have asked themselves if it
was not directed especially to
Christ's disciples. Evidence denies
this. For instance, the prologue to
the Sermon on the Mount clearly
states that Jesus addressed Himself
to the multitudes.
Furthermore, in this discourse the
Master pointed out the steps in
man's only path of spiritual
development. Here we find
enumerated the principles that
assure the moral growth of every
human being—principles and laws
with universal scope. All are called to
receive this divine teaching, but only
those who are prepared to realize it
in their lives are the ones who fulfill
the conditions outlined in the
preceding beatitudes.
This truth is evident in the fact that
performance of this beatitude is
possible only as the provisions
described in the preceding
'beatitudes are achieved. It is
impossible to be an instrument of
peace in the world, a "maker of
peace" after the example of Jesus
Himself, unless "the peace of God,
which passeth all understanding,"
fills "your hearts and minds" with the
'feelings that are in Christ Jesus (Phil.
47).
Just as Christ came to the world as
a peacemaker, to reconcile all who
are in heaven and on earth, just so
His disciples are called to become
"makers of peace" among men. In
doing this they will receive the
glorious title "children of God,"
which is reserved for those whom
the Lord will one day usher into the
kingdom of heaven.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Makers of, Peace
(Matt. 5:9)
2.
Children of Wrath
(Eph. 2:3; Col. 1:21)
3.
The God of Peace
(Rom. 15:33; 16:20; 1 Cor. 14:33)
4.
Christ Our Peace
(Col. 1:19, 20; Eph. 2:14)
5.
The Fruits of Peace
(Col. 2:13,14; Rom. 8:2, 6; 12:18)
6.
Becoming Children of God
(Matt. 5:43, 44)
The Peacemakers
LESSON 8
Sunday
November 16
Part 1
MAKERS OF
PEACE
What is the meaning of the word "peacemaker" as it was
used by Jesus?
The word used in the original Greek is not found elsewhere in
the Bible, although the verb "to make peace" is often used.
Scholars have been unable to determine the Aramaic expres-
sion equivalent to this composite word. But as the Aramaic
spoken in Palestine in Christ's time was akin to the Hebrew,
doubtless Jesus employed a word with Semitic connotations.
"In order to appreciate what Christ meant when He spoke of
'peacemakers' it is helpful to take note of the meaning of peace
in Semitic thinking and speech. The Hebrew equivalent of the
Greek
eirene
is
shalom,
meaning 'completeness,' soundness,'
'prosperity,' condition of well-being.'
"—S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary,
vol. 5, p. 328.
According to Jesus, what name will be given to those who
are peacemakers? Matt. 5:9.
To be called "children of God" means, strictly speaking, to be
"sons of God." God is the "God of peace" (Rom. 15:33); Jesus,
the "Prince of Peace." It seems natural, then, that those who, in
God's name, work for peace in this world should be called
"children of God."
"To be a son of God means to resemble Him in character
(1 John 3:2; cf. John 8:44). 'Peacemakers' are the 'sons of God'
because they are at peace with Him themselves, and are de-
voted to the cause of leading their fellow men to be at peace
with Him."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 328.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is it possible for men to bring about peace? If not, why not?
"The peace of Christ is born of truth. It is harmony with God.
The world is at enmity with the law of God; sinners are at enmity
with their Maker; and as a result they are at enmity with one
another. But the psalmist declares, 'Great peace have they
which love Thy law: and nothing shall offend them.' Ps. 119:165.
Men cannot manufacture peace. Human plans for the purifica-
tion and uplifting of individuals or of society will fail of produc-
ing peace, because they do not reach the heart. The only power
that can create or perpetuate true peace is the grace of Christ.
When this is implanted in the heart, it will cast out the evil
passions that cause strife and dissension. 'Instead of the thorn
shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up
the myrtle tree;' and life's desert 'shall rejoice, and blossom as
the rose.' Ise. 55:13; 35:1."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 302-305.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:9), pp. 27, 28.
66
The Peacemakers
LESSON 8
El Monday
November 17
Part 2
What does the Bible teach concerning relations between
CHILDREN God and man?
OF WRATH
"We all . were by nature the children of wrath, even as
others" (Eph. 2:3).
"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in
your minds because of your evil behavior" (Col. 1:21, NIV).
In yielding to temptation and being disobedient to God in
Eden, man took his stand against the Creator of the universe,
against God's established order, against the laws of life. At the
same time he placed himself on the side of the "prince of the
power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of
disobedience" (Eph. 2:2).
As a natural consequence, relations between God and His
earthly creatures were broken. After sin man first fled from
God's presence out of fear, then because of a lack of interest in
heavenly things, and finally out of hatred for the God they no
longer knew or, worse, whose very name filled them with anger.
And, speaking of the "children of disobedience," the apostle
Paul adds, "among whom also we all .. were by nature" (Eph.
2:3).
No one can say that he is an exception. We are all by nature
"children of wrath," consciously or unconsciously, in a state of
war against God, lined up under the banner of the "prince of this
world." "Whosoever . . will be a friend of the world is the enemy
of God," because "the friendship of the world is enmity with.
God" (James 4:4).
How does man's rebellion against God manifest itself? Titus
3:3.
Enmity between 'God and man reveals itself on the spiritual
level, with far-reaching consequences in man's life generally.
By his thoughts and works man becomes a stranger and an
enemy of God. By doing what he pleases rather than following
God's will, he becomes "a son of disobedience," introducing
into his own life—and into the world—disorder,' envy, hatred,
violence, strife, suffering, and death.
THINK IT THROUGH
In carefully examining the list of the "works of the flesh," as
drawn up by the apostle Paul, are you confident that you have
won the battle of life?
"Now the works of the flesh are plain: fornication, impurity,
licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger,
selfishness, dissension, party spirit, envy, drunkenness, carous-
ing, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those
who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God" (Gal.
5:19-21, RSV).
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 244.
67
The Peacemakers
LESSON 8
Tuesday
November 18
Part 3
THE GOD
OF PEACE
What title did Paul freely attribute to God?
"The God of peace be with you all" (Rom. 15:33).
"The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet
shortly" (Rom. 16:20).
"God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" (1 Cor.
14:33).
In the beginning of Israel's history Gideon built an altar unto
the Lord, which he named "Jehovahshalom" (Judges 6:24)—
"The Lord is peace" (RSV). Most of the Bible authors used this
title in one way or another, either to call upon "the God of
peace," or to greet one another, or to bless, or still to call to
order and peace.
"God is not a being who either has in Himself or produces
disorder, disunion, discord, or confusion.... He is the God of
peace, and it is not to be taught that He could be pleased by a
form of worship characterized by confusion of any kind. . .
Christianity tends to promote order (see 1 Cor. 14:40)."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, pp. 792, 793.
Why is the title "God of peace" a just one? Col. 1:20; Rom.
5:8, 10.
Before the foundation of the world God conceived the plan by
Which He would establish peace, not only on earth with man, but
also in heaven among the heavenly hosts. God arranged for the
reestablishing of peace wherever there was war against Him in
the universe.
God did not wait until we approached Him to heal the breach
and make peace. It was He who took the initiative: "While we
were yet sinners, ... when we were enemies, we were reconciled
to God" (Rom. 5:8-10). "All things are of.
God, who hath recon-
ciled ... the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses
unto them" (2 Cor. 5:18, 19).
THINK IT THROUGH
The parable of the lost sheep aptly illustrates the fact that
God took the initiative in the quest and the reconciliation.
"It was taught by the Jews that before God's love is extended
to the sinner, he must first repent. In their view, repentance is a
work by which men earn the favor of Heaven.... According to
their ideas He should permit none to approach Him but those
who had repented. But in the parable of the lost sheep, Christ
teaches that salvation does not come through our seeking after
God but through God's seeking after
us."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
p. 189.
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"Confession," pp. 37-39.
68
The Peacemakers
LESSON 8
Wednesday
November 19
Part 4
CHRIST
OUR PEACE
Through what means did God bring about peace with man?
"In him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and
through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on
earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross"
(Col. 1:19, 20, RSV).
"For he [Christ] is our peace" (Eph. 2:14).
Our reconciliation with God was effected through Jesus
Christ. He in person was the instrument of our peace with God.
"Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ" (Rom. 5:1). God established "peace through
the blood of his cross" (Col. 1:20). The redemptive work of
Christ is completely contained in the word "peace."
"Christ came that He might give peace to us such as the world
knows not and cannot offer (John 14:27). This 'peace of God,
which passeth all understanding, shall keep' our 'hearts and
minds through Christ Jesus' (Phil. 4:7). When Christ enters the
heart it is always with the words, 'Peace be unto you' (Luke
24:36)."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 693.
Which of the Messiah's characteristics was announced by
prophecy and acclaimed at the time of His advent? Isa. 9:6;
Luke 2:14.
"Christ is the 'good will' of God incarnate. He is the 'Prince of
Peace' (Isa. 9:6), the One who proclaimed, 'Peace I leave with
you. . . . Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid'
(John 14:27). As the result of His coming it is our privilege to
'have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ' (Rom.
5:1)."--S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 700.
THINK IT THROUGH
Harmony with God, likeness to Him—what can you do to
obtain It?
"It is peace that you need—Heaven's forgiveness and peace
and love in the soul. Money cannot buy it, intellect cannot
procure it, wisdom cannot attain to it; you can never hope, by
your own efforts, to secure it. But God offers it to you as a gift,
'without money and without price.' Isaiah 55:1. It is yours if you
will but reach out your hand and grasp it. The Lord says,
'Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow;
though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.' Isaiah
1:18. 'A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put
within you.' Ezekiel 36:26."—Steps
to Christ,
p. 49.
FURTHER STUDY
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
"We Have Peace," vol. 6, pp. 522,
523.
69
The Peacemakers
LESSON 8
Thursday
November 20
Part 5
THE FRUITS
OF PEACE
Experiencing the peace of Christ bears three kinds of fruit.
What are they?
1.
Peace with God:
"You, who were dead in trespasses ... ,
God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our
trespasses, having canceled the bond which stood against us
with its legal demands; this he set aside, nailing it to the
cross" (Col. 2:13, 14, RSV). (Compare Rom. 8:1.)
The prophet Isaiah had prophesied it in these words: "The
chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes
we are healed" (53:5). Reconciled, we no longer live in fear, and
"the Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are
children of God: . . heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ"
(Rom. 8:16, 17).
2.
Peace with oneself:
"The law of the Spirit of life in Christ
Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.... For
to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is
life and peace" (Rom. 8:2-6).
"To set the mind on the things of the Spirit, and to have the
thoughts and desires governed solely by the Spirit of God, result
in that healthful, life-giving harmony of all the functions of the
soul that is a sure pledge and foretaste of the life to come...
The presence of the Holy Spirit brings love, joy, and peace in the
life (Gal. 5:22), the beginning within us of the kingdom of God,
which is 'righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost'
(Rom. 14:17)."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, p. 563.
3.
Peace with others:
"If it be possible, as much as lieth in
you, live peaceably with all men" (Rom. 12:18).
The peace of God—because it is perfect—manifests itself in
our relations with one another. This is why preaching of the
gospel of peace demands that we "live in peace" (2 Cor. 13:11),
"follow . . . peace" (2 Tim. 2:22), and "strive for peace with all
men" (Heb. 12:14, RSV).
THINK IT THROUGH
"The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall
keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:7).
"Whoever consents to renounce sin and open his heart to the
love of Christ, becomes a partaker of this heavenly peace.
"There is no other ground of peace than this. The grace of
Christ received into the heart, subdues enmity; it allays strife
and fills the soul with
love."—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
p. 27.
FURTHER STUDY
Counsels on Health,
p. 403.
70
The Peacemakers
LESSON 8
Friday
November 21
Part 6
To be a "peacemaker," what extraordinary demand is made
BECOMING of Christians?
CHILDREN
OF GOD
"Ye have heard that it hath been said; Thou shalt love thy
neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that
hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and
persecute you" (Matt. 5:43, 44).
"The children of God are those who are partakers of His
nature. It is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor
religious privilege, which proves that we are members of the
family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity. Even
sinners whose hearts'are not utterly closed to God's Spirit, will
respond to kindness; while they may give hate for hate, they will
also give love for love. But it is only the Spirit of God that gives
love for hatred. To be kind to the unthankful and to the evil, to do
good hoping for nothing again, is the insignia of the royalty of
heaven, the sure token by which the children of the Highest
reveal their high
estate."—Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-
ing,
p. 75.
To what end should those who have received God's peace
direct all their efforts? Rom. 14:19; James 3:18.
"Christ's followers are sent to the world with the message of
peace. Whoever, by the quiet, unconscious influence of a holy
life, shall reveal the love of Christ; whoever, by word or deed,
shall lead anotherto renounce sin and yield his heart to God, is a
peacemaker.
"And 'blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called
the children of God.' The spirit of peace is evidence of their
connection with heaven. The sweet savor of Christ surrounds
them. The fragrance of the life, the loveliness of the character,
reveal to the world the fact that they are children of God. Men
take knowledge of them that they have been with Jesus.
'Everyone that loveth is born of God.' 'If any man have not the
Spirit of Christ, he is none of His;' but 'as many as are led by the
Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.' 1 John 4:7; Romans 8:9,
14."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 28.
THINK IT THROUGH
According to the prophecy of the apostle Paul, what will
happen when men "shall say, Peace and safety"?
"Then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon
a woman with child; and they shall not escape" (1 Thess. 5:3).
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Spirituality of the
Law" (Matt. 5:44), pp. 73-75.
71
The Persecuted
LESSON 9
Wednesday
November 26
Part 4
Only under what conditions can persecution be considered
REPROACHED as a reason to rejoice?
FOR CHRIST'S
NAME
"If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are
blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.
. If one suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but
under that name let him glorify God" (1 Peter 4:14-16, RSV).
As Jesus stated in the eighth beatitude, only he who is perse-
cuted for righteousness' sake can know the joy that comes from
above in spite of the trial. The satisfaction that the persecuted
Christian enjoys comes to him because he is a partaker of
"Christ's sufferings" (v. 13), because he knows that he is suffer-
ing as a Christian, and because he has proof that the "spirit of
glory and of God rests" on him.
In apostolic times the name Christian was possibly first given
to ridicule those who followed Christ. That is why the apostle
Peter exhorts Christians not to be ashamed, but rather to glory.
And that is exactly what happened. Christians of the first cen-
turies brought glory to Christ by being persecuted for His sake.
What more is said concerning affliction for the sake of con-
science as opposed to every other motive? 1 Peter 2:19-21;
4:15.
THINK IT THROUGH
If it is a Christian grace to suffer unjustly for the sake of
conscience, it is, on the contrary, a terrible disgrace—and a
reproach for the cause of God—to suffer as a "murderer, or as a
thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters"
(v. 15). As this is a matter of the Christian's relations with non-
Christians, the meaning of the word "busybody" tells us that a
Christian should not make himself conscience.for another. It is
enough that he conducts himself without reproach before God
and man.
Precisely what attitude should one have toward persecu-
tion? Should one flee from it or strive for it?
"None should disobey His [the Lord's] command in order to
escape persecution. But let all consider the words of Christ:
'When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another.'
Matthew 10:23. If it can be avoided, do not put yourselves into
the power of men who are worked by'the spirit of antichrist.
Everything that we can do should be done that those who are
willing to suffer for the truth's sake may be saved from oppres-
sion and
cruelty."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 230.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
p. 355.
77
The Persecuted
LESSON 9
Thursday
November 27
Part 5
TO BEAR
TESTIMONY
THINK IT THROUGH
How did Jesus explain persecutions to His disciples in the
framework of God's work with man?
"This will be a time for you to bear testimony" (Luke 21:13,
RSV). (Compare Mark 13:9.)
If it is wrong to seek persecution, it is certainly a greater
mistake to believe that God brings it about for the good of His
children and the progress of His work. God never causes evil,
nor does He ever wish it for His children. But as, where sin
abounds, grace much more abounds (Rom. 5:20); so, where
persecution rages, God accords grace to endure and to triumph
in order that testimony may be borne to truth.
What experiences in Paul's life illustrate the principle ex-
pressed by Jesus? Phil. 1:12-14; Acts 16:22-34.
"God means that truth shall be brought to the front and
become the subject of examination and discussion, even
through the contempt placed upon it. The minds of the people
must be agitated; every controversy, every reproach, every ef-
fort to restrict liberty of conscience, is God's means of awaken-
ing minds that otherwise might
slumber"—Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing,
p. 33.
The first persecution of the church at Jerusalem is a typical
example of the way God uses the enemy's ambush to ac-
complish His purposes. (See Acts 8:1, 4; 11:19-21.)
"In vain were Satan's efforts to destroy the church of Christ by
violence. The great controversy in which the disciples of Jesus
yielded up their lives did not cease when these faithful
standard-bearers fell at their post. By defeat they conquered.
God's workmen were slain, but His work went steadily forward.
The gospel continued to spread and the number of its adherents
to increase. It penetrated into regions that were inaccessible
even to the eagles of Rome. Said a Christian, expostulating with
the heathen rulers who were urging forward the persecution:
You may 'kill us, torture us, condemn us.... Your injustice is the
proof that we are innocent.... The oftener we are mown down
by you, the more in number we grow; the blood of Christians is
seed.'—Tertullian,
Apology."—The Great Controversy,
pp. 41,
42.
Do you know any examples of the entering of the gospel into
a country, a region, a city, or a family despite obstacles, or
thanks to them?
Be ready to tell your story briefly, if you should have the
opportunity.
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:11), pp. 31-35.
78
The Persecuted
LESSON 9
Friday
November 28
Part 6
"THEIR'S IS
THE KINGDOM
OF HEAVEN"
THINK IT THROUGH
What marvelous promise does the eighth beatitude contain
for those persecuted for righteousness' sake?
"Their's is the kingdom of heaven" (Matt. 5:10).
"This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you
may be made worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are
suffering" (2 Thess. 1:5, RSV).
"The same promise [is] made in v. 3 [of Matthew 5] to those
who sense their spiritual need. 'If we suffer, we shall also reign
with him' (2 Tim. 2:12; cf. Dan. 7:18, 27). Those who suffer most
for Christ here are best able to appreciate what He suffered for
them. It is appropriate that the first and last beatitudes should
contain the assurance of membership in the kingdom."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 328.
.How did the apostle Paul console the Thessalonians, who
were suffering persecution and tribulation? 2 Thess. 1:4-7.
"In his second letter Paul sought to correct their misun-
derstanding of his teaching and to set before them his true
position. He again expressed his confidence in their integrity,
and his gratitude that their faith was strong, and that their love
abounded for one another and for the cause of their Master. He
told them that he presented them to other churches as an ex-
ample of the patient, persevering faith that bravely withstands
persecution and tribulation, and he carried their minds forward
to the time of,the second coming of Christ, when the people of
God shall rest from all their cares and perplexities."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
p. 264.
Even though the promises of Jesus contained in the
Beatitudes are already being partially fulfilled in this life, their
perfect realization will not take place until the glorious advent
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
"Look up, look up, and let your faith continually increase. Let
this faith guide you along the narrow path that leads through the
gates of the city of God into the great beyond, the wide, un-
bounded future of glory that is for the redeemed. 'Be patient
therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the
husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath
long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be
ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord
draweth nigh.' James 5:7,
8."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 287, 288.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 9, pp. 285-287.
79
LESSON 10 November 30 to December 6
10.
66
hen Men
ReAleYou
29
h
....,,..,,
2
.............
"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad:
for great is your reward in heaven:
for so persecuted they the prophets
which were before you" (Matt. 5:12).
We will not consider the question
of whether Matthew 5:11, 12 make
up the ninth beatitude or if they are
merely an extension of the eighth.
We will try instead to understand
their message a little more clearly.
From their content these words of
Jesus seem to be a simple unfolding
of the statement made in the last
beatitude; by the verb forms,
however, it appears that the Master
was speaking directly to His
disciples, that He was no longer
satisfied to speak in a general way to
all the congregation assembled
around Him. Supporting this
deduction is the change from the
impersonal third-person form of the
verbs used in the preceding
beatitudes to the more direct
second-person form in these verses.
Here the Master is no longer making
a simple statement of blessing for
those who meet the qualifications
pointed out in the preceding
beatitudes; instead He is addressing
His disciples in a personal, direct
way, inviting them to be happily
counted worthy of suffering shame
for His name and to rejoice in
anticipation of the recompense
awaiting them in heaven.
It is in this setting that we will study
this invitation to rejoice. We will
direct our thinking, on the one hand,
to the age-old conflict between the
forces of good and evil, and, on the
other hand, to special consideration
of the great final tribulation that soon
will be the portion of witnesses to
truth.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Happy Are You
(Matt. 5:11)
2.
The Parable of the Vineyard
(Matt. 21:35, 38)
3.
Blinded by the God of This World
(1 Tim. 1:13; 2 Cor. 4:4; John 16:2)
4.
They Will Possess the Everlasting
Kingdom
(Dan. 7:21, 22, 25)
5.
Preparation for the Time of
Trouble
(Dan. 12:1)
6.
The Redeemed Before the Throne
of God
(Rev. 7:13-15)
"When Men Shall Revile You"
LESSON 10
Sunday
November 30
Part 1
HAPPY
ARE YOU
What attitude should the persecuted believer possess?
"Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute
you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my
sake" (Matt. 5:11).
The true cause of the happiness of those whom Jesus de-
clared "blessed" is not found in themselves. Rather it is in the
Lord's promise to them. In each beatitude Jesus stated the
reason for happiness in the second part of the declaration. The
poor in spirit, they that mourn, those who hunger and thirst, the
persecuted—all are blessed because Jesus is able to promise
them the kingdom of heaven, consolation, satisfaction, the title
"son of God," a vision of God.
Clearly, persecution itself cannot be a cause for rejoicing for
those who suffer. The apostles did not glory in the furnace,
trials, tribulations. Persecution was of no value as a meritorious
experience. The happiness of the persecuted Christian has its
source in Christ. He is happy who is reviled, persecuted, or
falsely accused "for my sake," Jesus specified, or "for my
name's sake" (Luke 21:12), "because the spirit of glory and of
God rests upon you" and because you suffer "as a Christian"
(1 Peter 4:14, 16, RSV).
What are two reasons for rejoicing, according to Jesus?
Matt. 5:12.
The Beatitudes have already outlined the recompense for
suffering during the earthly phase of the Messianic kingdom.
The Master now indicates the place of the reward: "Great is your
reward in heaven." Only in the kingdom of heaven will the
redeemed receive the reward that the Lord has prepared for
them.
The second reason indicated here is found in the comparison
made with the prophets. He who is persecuted, as were the
prophets, can count on receiving the same recompense re-
served for the prophets. "And these all, having obtained a good
report through faith, received not the promise: God having
provided some better thing for us, that they without us should
not be made perfect" (Heb. 11:39, 40).
THINK IT THROUGH
Is there better proof, for me as for others, that I am one of
Christ's disciples?
"Far from causing grief, persecution should bring joy to the
disciples of Christ, for it is an evidence that they are following in
the steps of their
Master."—Thoughts From the Mount of Bless-
ing,
p. 30.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
p. 477.
82
"When Men Shall Revile You"
LESSON 10
Monday
December 1
Part 2
What was the general attitude of men toward God's mes-
THE PARABLE sengers in Christ's parable of the vineyard?
OF THE
VINEYARD
"The husbandmen took his servants, and beat
,
one, and
killed another, and stoned another."
"When the husbandmen saw the son, they said among
themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us
seize on his inheritance" (Matt. 21:35, 38). (See also verses
33-41.)
This parable proves the infinite patience and goodness of
God toward men, at the same time that it points out man's
ingratitude and cruelty. True, this parable was directed espe-
cially to the Israelites, but it also illustrates the general attitude
of men toward God's messengers.
Stephen's literal application of this truth in his discourse
resulted in his being stoned. He said, "Which of the prophets
did not your fathers persecute? And they killed those who an-
nounced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom
you have now betrayed and murdered" (Acts 7:52, RSV).
What did Jesus say was the attitude of the scribes and
Pharisees toward the prophets? Matt. 23:29-35.
THINK IT THROUGH
"The gems of truth that fell from Christ's lips on that eventful
day [when He pronounced woe on the scribes and Pharisees]
were treasured in many hearts. For them new thoughts started
into life, new aspirations were awakened, and a new history
began. After the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, these
persons came to the front, and fulfilled their divine commission
with a wisdom and zeal corresponding to the greatness of the
work.... Mighty were the results flowing from the words of the
Saviour to that wondering, awestruck crowd in the temple at
Jerusalem."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 620.
There is no more effective testimony in favor of truth than
that of men and women ready to give their lives for it.
"When the noble and eloquent Stephen was stoned to death
at the instigation of the Sanhedrin council, there was no loss to
the cause of the gospel. The light of heaven that glorified his
face, the divine compassion breathed in his dying prayer, were
as a sharp arrow of conviction to the bigoted Sanhedrist who
stood by, and Saul, the persecuting Pharisee, became a chosen
vessel to bear the name of Christ before Gentiles and kings and
the children of
Israel."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pp. 33, 34.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons, '`The
Lord's Vineyard," pp. 296-300.
83
"When Men Shall Revile You"
LESSON 10
Tuesday
December 2
Part 3
BLINDED BY
THE GOD OF
THIS WORLD
THINK IT THROUGH
What are some of the reasons mentioned in the Bible for
which the messengers of God were persecuted?
"I did it ignorantly in unbelief" (1 Tim. 1:13). •
"In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of
the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the
gospel of the glory of Christ" (2 Cor. 4:4, RSV).
"The hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is
offering service to God" (John 16:2, RSV).
Those persecuted for righteousness' sake have unanimously
pleaded extenuating circumstances for their persecutors.
Jesus set the example when on the cross He prayed, "Father,
forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34).
After openly accusing his audience of having "killed the Prince
of life," Peter, for his part, added, "Now, brethren, I wot that
through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers" (Acts 3:15,
17).
Speaking from experience, the apostle Paul explained that if
"the princes of this world" had known "the wisdom of God,"
"they would not have crucified the Lord of glory" (1 Cor. 2:6-8).
No one knew better than Paul how easily religious prejudice can
lead to violence. "I myself was convinced that I ought to do
many things in opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth" (Acts
26:9, RSV).
Who is actually responsible for the constant war against
God's people throughout history?.Matt. 22:3-6; John 13:27;
2 Thess. 2:9; Eph. 6:11, 12.
Just as there is the mystery of godliness to designate the
incomprehensible work of God on the heart of man, there is also
a mystery of iniquity to indicate the work, no less mysterious, of
him whom the Bible calls "the Devil" and "Satan." He is the
antichrist, the great adversary of God's children. When he can-
not defeat them by violence, he tries to seduce them through
miracles.
What is the difference, essentially, between God's work on
men to make them His instruments and the work of Satan?
"God never forces the will or the conscience; but Satan's
constant resort—to gain control of those whom he cannot
otherwise seduce—is compulsion by cruelty. Through fear or
force he endeavors to rule the conscience and to secure hom-
age to himself. To accomplish this, he works through both
religious and secular authorities, moving them to the enforce-
ment of human laws in defiance of the law of God."—The
Great
Controversy,
p. 591.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 516, 517.
84
"When Men Shall Revile You"
LESSON 10
Wednesday
December 3
Part 4
By what prophecy did God warn His people of the tribula-
THEY WILL tions that they would have to surmount?
POSSESS THE
EVERLASTING
"I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and
KINGDOM prevailed against them; until the Ancient of days came, and
judgment was given to the saints of the most High."
"He shall speak great words against the most High, and
shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change
times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a
time and times and the dividing of time" (Dan. 7:21, 22, 25).
If, as the prophet Amos affirmed, "the Lord God will do noth-
ing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets"
(Amos 3:7), God would surely reveal the trouble that awaited His
people throughout history. With mathematical precision God
did unveil the 120 years of papal.persecution to Daniel. Seven
times this prophetic period is mentioned in the Bible (Dan. 7:25;
12:7; Rev. 11:2, 3; 12:6, 14; 13:5), each time in connection with
the war that the powers of darkness would wage against God's
people. In His prophetic discourse Jesus also alluded to this
dramatic time in the history of the Christian church. (See Matt.
24:8-10.)
What assurance does prophecy give concerning the out-
come of this war? Dan. 7:22, 27, 18.
"All earthly kings and governments will pass away, but the
kingdom of the Most High will endure forever. The usurpation
and misrule of the wicked may last for atime, but soon it will be
at an end. Then this earth will be restored to its rightful Owner,
who will share it with the•saints. Those who have long been
destitute and despised by men will soon be honored and exalted
by God."—S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 830.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why was the persecution of the 1260-year prophecy short-
ened?
"The persecution of the church did not continue throughout
the entire period of the 1260 years. God in mercy to His people
cut short the time of their fiery trial. In foretelling the 'great
tribulation' to befall the church, the Saviour said: 'Except those
days should be shortened; there should no flesh be saved; but
for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.' Matthew
24:22. Through the influence of the Reformation the persecu-
tion was brought to an end prior to 1798."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
pp. 266, 267.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 346-348.
85
"When Men Shall Revile You"
LESSON 10
Thursday
December 4
Part 5
How did Daniel describe the crisis that will precede the end
PREPARATION of all trials for God's people?
FOR THE TIME
OF TROUBLE
"At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which
standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a
time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation
even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be
delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book"
(Dan. 12:1).
In the last days God's people should not be deceived concern-
ing the future of the world and the coming crisis, which they
must still undergo and come through victoriously. God has not
left us in darkness regarding this subject. Not only has He given
us the Bible prophecies intended especially for Christians in the
end of time, but again through the spirit of prophecy He gave the
remnant church a clear vision of final events.
"The world is stirred with the spirit of war. The prophecy of
the eleventh chapter of Daniel has nearly reached its complete
fulfillment. Soon the scenes of trouble spoken of in the proph-
ecies will take
place."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 14.
What reassuring promise did the Lord give His church con-
cerning the great trial ahead? Rev. 3:10.
"When the testing time shall come, those who have made
God's word their rule of life will be revealed. In summer there is
no noticeable difference between evergreens and other trees;
but when the blasts of winter come, the evergreens remain
unchanged, while other trees are stripped of their foliage."—
The Great Controversy,
p. 602.
"None but those who have fortified the mind with the truths of
the Bible will stand through the last great conflict."—The
Great
Controversy,
pp. 593, 594.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I find more time to study the Bible and the spirit of
prophecy?
"We must love and obey the truth for this time. This will save
us from accepting strong delusions. God has spoken to us
through His word. He has spoken to us through the testimonies
to the church and through the books that have helped to make
plain our present duty and the position that we should now
occupy. The warnings that have been given, line upon line,
precept upon precept, should be heeded. If we disregard them,
what excuse can we
offer?"—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 298.
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pp. 178-184.
86
"When Men Shall Revile You"
LESSON 10
Friday
December 5
Part 6
"What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and
THE REDEEMED whence came they? ... Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me,
BEFORE THE THRONE These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have
OF GOD washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the
Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve
him day and night in his temple" (Rev. 7:13-15).
"The heirs of God have come from garrets, from hovels, from
dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains, from deserts, from
the caves of the earth, from the caverns of the sea. On earth they
were 'destitute, afflicted, tormented.' Millions went down to the
grave loaded with infamy because they steadfastly refused to
yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals they
were adjudged the vilest of criminals. But now 'God is judge
Himself.' Psalm 50:6. Now the decisions of earth are reversed.
. . . They [God's people] are no longer feeble, afflicted, scat-
tered, and oppressed. Henceforth they are to be ever with the
Lord. They stand before the throne clad in richer robes than the
most honored of the earth have ever worn. They are crowned
with diadems more glorious than were ever placed upon the
brow of earthly monarchs. The days of pain and weeping are
forever ended."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 650.
What will be the theme of the song of the redeemed? Rev.
15:3, 4.
"The plan of redemption will not be fully understood, even
when the ransomed see as they are seen and know as they are
known.... Though the griefs and pains and temptations of earth
are ended and the cause removed, the people of God will ever
have a distinct, intelligent knowledge of what their salvation has
cost."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 651.
THINK IT THROUGH
Now is the most favorable time to let God finish His work in
us and to wash our robes and make them white in the blood of
the Lamb.
"When Christ shall come, He will not change the character of
any individual. Precious, probationary time is given to be im-
proved in washing our robes of character and making them
white in the blood of the Lamb. To remove the stains of sin
requires the work of a lifetime. Every day renewed efforts in
restraining and denying self are needed. Every day there are
new battles to fight and victories to be gained. Every day the
soul should be called out in earnest pleading with God for the
mighty victories of the
cross."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 429.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Without a Wedding Garment," pp.
310-312.
87
LESSON 11 December 7-13
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if
the salt have lost his savour,
wherewith shall it be salted? it is
thenceforth good for nothing, but to
be cast out, and to be trodden under
foot of men" (Matt. 5:13).
Jesus called His friends "the salt of
the earth." There are three important
points to note:
1.
Jesus stressed the fact that His
followers were to use their
truth-filled insights to help others,
instead of flaunting them or letting
them go unused.
"Salt is valued for its preservative
properties; and when God calls His
children salt, He would teach them
that His purpose in making them the
subjects of His grace is that they may
become agents in saving others. The
object of God in choosing a people
before all the world was not only that
He might adopt them as His sons and
daughters, but that through them the
world might receive the grace that
bringeth salvation."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 35.
2.
Jesus urged His followers to
meet people and actively share their
faith.
"Salt must be mingled with the
substance to which it is added; it
must penetrate and infuse in order to
preserve. So it is through personal
contact and association that men are
reached by the saving power of the
gospel. They are not saved in masses,
but as individuals. Personal
influence is a power. We must come
close to those whom we desire to
benefit."—Thoughts
From the
Mount of Blessing,
p. 36.
3.
By
referring to His church as "the
salt of the earth" Jesus was issuing a
warning. Salt that has lost its savor
hasn't much value, and is usually
discarded and replaced.
Ellen White tells us what salt that
has lost its savor represents in the
Christian life: "It represents the life
of every soul from whom the power
of the grace of God has departed and
who has become cold and Christless.
Whatever may be his profession,
such a one is looked upon by men
and angels as insipid and
disagreeable. . .
. . . If there is no actual service,
no genuine love, no reality of
experience, there is no power to
help, no connection with heaven, no
savor of Christ in the life. Unless the
Holy Spirit can use us as agents
through whom to communicate to
the world the truth as it is in Jesus, we
are as salt that has lost its savor and is
entirely worthless."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 37.
A church that has been especially
called to represent God to the world
faces a constant danger of
contemplating its privilege to the
point of forgetting its great
responsibility. This week's lesson is
designed to renew our sense of
responsibility to share the insights
God has trusted to our care.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Imagery of Salt
(Col. 4:6)
2.
The Problem of Faithfulness
(Hosea 4:1)
3.
Salt Is Love-1
(Matt. 5:44, 47)
4.
Salt Is Love-2
(1 John 4:8)
5.
Salt "Proves" God's Existence
(John 17:18)
6.
Jesus, Salt of the Earth
(Luke 6:35)
"Ye Are the Salt"
LESSON 11
Sunday
December 7
Part 1
THE IMAGERY
OF SALT
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
90
What meaning does Paul give to the metaphor of salt?
"Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt,
that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man" (Col.
4:6).
At the time of Christ's first advent, salt was used both to make
food palatable and to preserve it. Christ's hearers must have
been conscious of the role they should have been playing in
making attractive and preserving the values of the kingdom of
God in society. Jesus had just enunciated the operating princi-
ples of God's government in heaven as well as on earth. All
those who claimed to be friends of God had the responsibility of
living these principles as well as sharing them with their non-
believing friends.
What lesson may we learn from the fact that salt must be
added to food before it can be effective? How does Luke 14
support this idea?
Ellen White makes this comment about Jesus' style of
evangelism: "His work was largely made up of personal inter-
views. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience.
Through that one soul the message was -often extended to
thousands."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
p. 229.
Jesus took
areal
risk in coming to the world as a man. Are we
willing to take the real risks involved in getting close to indi-
viduals who haven't heard the truth about the kind of person
God is and the kinds of values He stands for?
How does Jesus' use of the salt metaphor help us refine our
ideas about missions and evangelism? (See Paul's descrip-
tion of his evangelism in 1 Corinthians 9:22.)
"In Christ's parable teaching the same principle is seen as in
His own mission to the world. That we might become ac-
quainted with His divine character and life, Christ took our
nature and dwelt among us.... So it was in Christ's teaching:
the unknown was illustrated by the known; divine truths by
earthly things with which the people were most familiar."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
p. 17.
Surely there is a lesson in God's great effort to meet men and
women on a level that they could understand. The very idea of
God becoming man should challenge us to make certain that
our evangelistic outreach is understandable and attractive in
today's world.
What does it tell us about God that His Son, a perfect revela-
tion of Him, made imaginative use of parables and metaphors
to reach men and women?
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Teaching in Parables," pp. 17-27;
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, pp. 329, 330.
"Ye Are the Salt"
LESSON 11
Monday
December 8
Part 2
THE PROBLEM
OF FAITH-
FULNESS
THINK IT THROUGH
What lack in Israel brought God's rebuke?
"Hear the word of the Lord, ye children of Israel: for the Lord
hath a controversy with the inhabitants of the land, because
there is no truth, nor mercy, nor knowledge of God in the land"
(Hosea 4:1).
How may we avoid becoming as savorless salt? From the
beginning peoples who have been set aside to be special repre-
sentatives of God have had a problem keeping God at the center
of their faith.
What conditions in the Laodicean church are equivalent to
savorless salt? Rev. 3:15-17.
In 1889 Ellen White wrote: "The message to the Laodicean
church is applicable to our condition. How plainly is pictured
the position of those who think they have all the truth, who take
pride in their knowledge of the Word of God, while its sanctify-
ing power has not been felt in their lives."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol. 7,
p. 961.
In 1898 Ellen White wrote: "Those who live for self are ranged
under the head of the Laodicean church who are lukewarm,
neither cold nor hot. The ardor of the first love has lapsed into a
selfish egotism. . . . There may be a wonderful appearance for
zeal and ceremonies, but this is the substance of their self-
inflated religion."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary, vol.
7, p. 962.
What would Ellen White write if she were alive today?
Why is the salt that has lost its savor worse than no salt at
all? What do Hosea 4:4-6 and Matthew 23:1-3 teach about this
principle?
"If Christians are such in name only, they are like the salt that
has lost its savor. They have no influence for good in the world.
Through their misrepresentation of God they are worse than
unbelievers."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 306.
Very religious people can, through their "misrepresentations
of God" (their refusal to believe that God is as gracious as
Jesus) do great damage to the very truths they cherish. The
practical solution is always to ask a question of any inspired
literature—What does this say about God?
The Laodicean message describes church members who
have become selfish; how can we apply this in not only a
material but a spiritual sense?
FURTHER STUDY
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, pp. 961, 962.
91
"Ye Are the Salt"
LESSON 11
Tuesday
December 9
Part 3
In what sense should believers be more loving than non-
SALT IS believers?
LOVE-1
"I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse
you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which
despitefully use you, and persecute you."
"If ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than
others? do not even the publicans so?" (Matt. 5:44, 47).
Ellen White identifies salt with love
(Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing,
p. 36), but she goes on to define it as a
special kind of love (see p. 38). It is the ability to love the
unlovable; it is intelligent love—active
and
imaginative love.
How does Jesus' love make it possible to love the unlov-
able? 1 John 4:11, 12.
"Love is not simply an impulse, a transitory emotion, depen-
dent upon circumstances; it is a living principle, a permanent
power.... The children of God love one another, truly, sincerely,
unaffectedly—`without partiality, and without hypocrisy.' . . .
Our affection for one another springs from our common rela-
tion to God. We are one family, we love one another as He loved
us. When compared with this true, sanctified, disciplined affec-
tion, the shallow courtesy of the world, the meaningless expres-
sions of effusive friendship, are as chaff to the wheat."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 1140.
What dimension of Christian love makes it so effective in
this broken world? 1 Cor. 13:4-8.
"Love is power. Intellectual and moral strength are involved
in this principle, and cannot be separated from it. The power of
wealth has a tendency to corrupt and destroy; the power of
force is strong to do hurt; but the excellence and value of pure
love consist in its efficiency to do good, and to do nothing else
than good. . . .
.. Wherever the power of intellect, of authority, or of force is
employed, and love is not manifestly present, the affections and
will of those whom we seek to reach assume a defensive, repel-
ling position, and their strength of resistance is increased."—
Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 135.
It is no wonder that Ellen White suggested that we read
1 Corinthians 13 on a daily basis.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I love the unlovable? Is my self-confidence based on
worldly status or on the knowledge that I am accepted as a
son or a daughter of God?
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 2, pp. 133-135.
92
"Ye Are the Salt"
LESSON 11
Wednesday
December 10
Part 4
SALT IS
LOVE-2
What does our failure to be loving (the "salt of the earth")
show about our relationship with God?
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love"
(1 John 4:8).
In part 3 of this lesson we considered Jesus' efforts at refining
man's understanding of what it means to love his fellowman.
Happily, our Lord also renewed the vertical definition of love,
that is the love between an individual and God.
What efforts that duplicate his appeal to Eve does Satan
make today to produce savorless salt in God's church? Gen.
3:4, 5.
"From the beginning it has been Satan's studied plan to
cause men to forget God, that he might secure them to himself.
Therefore he has sought to misrepresent the character of God,
to lead men to cherish a false conception of Him. The Creator
has been presented to their minds as clothed with the attributes
of the prince of evil himself—as arbitrary, severe, and unfor-
giving—that He might be feared, shunned, and even hated by
men. . . .
"Christ came to reveal God to the world as a God of love, a
God of mercy, tenderness, and compassion."—In
Heavenly
Places,
p. 8.
How would you relate Jesus' words to Philip (John 14:9) with
the serpent's words to Eve (Gen.
3:4, 5)?
In a spirit of humility Jesus was constantly encouraging His
disciples to think of God in terms of the example of His own
everyday life. The disciples had difficulty accepting this. Simply
put, the gospel says that God is as nice as Jesus. To be truly
Christian is to make Jesus normative for all we think and say
about God and heaven. "Had God the Father come to our world
and dwelt among us, humbling Himself, veiling His glory, that
humanity might look upon Him, the history that we have of the
life of Christ would not have been changed.... In every act of
Jesus, in every lesson of His instruction, we are to see and hear
and recognize God. In sight, in hearing, in effect, it is the voice
and movements of the Father."—That 1
May Know Him,
p. 338.
THINK IT THROUGH
Has Jesus' life become normative for what I think about my
heavenly Father?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
p. 22;
Thoughts. From the Mount of Bless-
ing,
"The Beatitudes" (Matt. 5:8), p. 25; "The Lord's Prayer"
(Luke 11:4), p. 115.
93
"Ye Are the Salt"
LESSON 11
Thursday
December 11
Part 5
How does Christianity, devoutly lived, give evidence of
SALT "PROVES" God's existence?
GOD'S
EXISTENCE
"As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also
sent them into the world" (John 17:18).
The late-in-life reconverted British journalist Malcolm
Muggeridge once sat observing pilgrims file through the tradi-
tional birthplace of Christ in Bethlehem. He noticed the
cameras, the garish sport shirts, the postcards and tourist
bric-a-brac. But he also noticed the silence and the look upon
the faces, and he contrasted this reverence with the great
tragedies we read about in the newspapers every day and con-
cluded that it took something divine to set something as magni-
ficent as Christianity in motion, and it takes something divine to
sustain it. Not conclusive proof, but certainly evidence of the
existence of a loving God.
What should the reality of the Christian church say about
God? John 17:21, 23.
"Christians who are purified through the truth will possess
saving qualities that preserve the world from utter moral
corruption."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 36.
What reaction can faithful Christians expect as they work to
uphold the kingdom of heaven in this world? John 15:20.
It is true that the world loves sin and hates righteousness. And
it is equally true that we are not to withdraw from the world in
order to escape persecution. (See
The Desire of Ages,
p. 306.)
But have we considered the problems the remnant will have
with professedly religious people? Remember that Jesus died
at the hands of fellow "believers." "The darkest chapters of
history are burdened with the record of crimes committed by
bigoted religionists. The Pharisees claimed to be children of
Abraham, and boasted of their possession of the oracles of
God; yet these advantages did not preserve them from selfish-
ness, malignity, greed for gain, and the basest hypocrisy."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 309.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have we squared all our beliefs with the life of Christ, or do
we cherish ideas that are not in harmony with the spirit of His
life?
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
bk. 2, p. 87;
Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 54.
94
"Ye Are the Salt"
LESSON 11
Friday
December 12
Part 6
JESUS,
SALT OF
THE EARTH
THINK IT THROUGH
How may God serve as our example in presenting the truth?
"Love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for
nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be
the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful
and to the evil" (Luke 6:35).
The Sermon on the Mount, addressed primarily to the disci-
ples, was to help them turn in a direction much different from
the one they had traveled all their lives. It is a gentle, yet specific,
summary of the values that pervade heaven. Instead of an out-
right attack on the disciples' ideas, Jesus was tactfully offering
as an alternative the truth about God and about heaven and
about the responsibilities of God's children.
What method did Jesus use when dealing with men seeking
to trick Him? Luke 10:29-37.
Note the comment Ellen White makes about those to whom
Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan: "He [Jesus) did
not denounce the bigotry of those who were watching to con-
demn Him. But by a simple story He held up before His hearers
such a picture of the outflowing of heaven-born love as touched
all hearts, and drew from the lawyer a confession of the truth.
"The way to dispel darkness is to admit light. The best way to
deal with error is to present truth. It is the revelation of God's
love that makes manifest the deformity and sin of the heart
centered in self."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 498.
How personal was the appeal of Christ's preaching? What
do you think it was like to hear Jesus preach? Might Revela-
tion 3:20 offer a clue? '
By dwelling on the truth instead of giving consistent attention
to error, Jesus won His way into many of the hearts of His
hearers.
"When Jesus spoke, it was not with hesitating uncertainty,
with repetition of words and familiar figures. The truth came
from his lips clothed in new and interesting representations that
gave it the freshness of a new revelation. His voice was never
pitched to an unnatural key, and his words came with an ear-
nestness and assurance appropriate to their importance and
the momentous consequences involved in their reception or
rejection."—Ellen G. White,
Review and Herald,
Jan. 7, 1890.
Do we expend too much time correcting those who don't see
things as we do and not enough time testing our ideas against
Jesus' ideas and style?
FURTHER STUDY
Counsels on Sabbath School Work,
pp. 30-33.
95
0
'Ye
lee t
LESSON 12 December 14-20
Li
"In him was life; and the life was
the light of men" (John 1:4).
God has called Seventh-day
Adventists to share an experience of
His love and wisdom, to share their
remarkable insights into the history
of the great controversy and their
knowledge of God's character with
the rest of the world.
Imagine for a moment that you
have been invited to a non-Adventist
gathering. In a conversation with the
person sitting next to you, the
subject turns to religion. Suppose he
asks you something like this: "What
do you Seventh-day Adventists mean
when you call yourselves the true
church, or the light of the world for
the last days? Do you mean to say that
you are better than the rest of the
Christian world?" How would you
answer?
The Christlike answer would have
two elements in it: (a) You would
have to confirm that your church
does have unique insights to share
with the world, and (b) that you, far
from being elevated or decorated by
God, are a servant—that you, as with
every member of the human family,
stand in need of the grace and
forgiveness of God.
Paul's ministry was a superb
example of balancing a sense of
humility with the knowledge that
God had called him to share special
truths. Read the first chapter of
1 Timothy for instance. Note the
balance between Paul's humility and
his confidence in the message that
God had committed him to preach.
Of him Ellen White says: "Paul's life
was an exemplification of the truths
he taught, and herein lay his power.
His heart was filled with a deep,
abiding sense of his responsibility,
and he labored in close communion
with Him who is the fountain of
justice, mercy, and truth. He clung to
the cross of Christ as his only
guarantee of success. The love of the
Saviour was the undying motive that
upheld him in his conflicts with self
and in his struggles against evil as in
the service of Christ he pressed
forward against the unfriendliness of
the world and the opposition of his
enemies."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
p. 507.
In terms of their responsibility to
be the light of the world, church
members have three alternatives.
They may, as their first-century
spiritual ancestors did, become
religiously exclusive, arrogant, and
selfish. They may hoard their
blessings' under the guise of
maintaining internal purity.
Second, some church members
may conclude that the cost of
discipleship is too high. Evangelism
becomes a means of getting close to
the world they have come to adore.
As the argument runs, they must
become very knowledgeable in the
ways of the world in order that they
might reach nonbelievers.
Happily, there is a third alternative
for those who wish to take seriously
the commission to be the light of the
world. It is a Christlike missionary
motive which balances humility and
a sense of service with gleaming
confidence in the values of the
kingdom of heaven. This involves a
compulsion to share.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Problem of Darkness
(John 3:19)
2.
The Symbol of Light
(2 Cor. 4:6)
3.
Your Good Works
(Matt. 5:16)
4.
Glorify Your Father
(John 17:4)
5.
Light Involves Confidence
(Matt. 5:15)
6.
A Quality of People
(Hosea 6:6)
"Ye Are the Light"
LESSON 12
Sunday
December 14
Part 1
How should we understand the spiritual darkness of our
THE PROBLEM world?
OF DARKNESS
"This is the condemnation, that light is come into the world,
and men loved darkness rather than light, because their
deeds were evil" (John 3:19).
In order to light the world effectively, God's people must
understand what constitutes the spiritual, darkness of their
world. In order to establish evangelistic priorities, we need to
consider what the Bible and the spirit of prophecy have singled
out as the world's main problem.
How is darkness defined by Paul in Romans 1:19-25?
Let us refer back to a cornerstone passage in
The Desire of
Ages
as we attempt to set priorities for witnessing to our non-
Adventist friends. "The earth was dark through misapprehen-
sion of God. That the gloomy shadows might be lightened, that
the world might be brought back to God, Satan's deceptive
power was to be broken. . . . To know God is to love Him; His
character must be manifested in contrast to the character of
Satan. This work only one Being in all the universe could do.
Only He who knew the height and depth of the love of God could
make it known."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 22.
What does Paul say most sinners have chosen instead of
the revelation of God's character? Rom. 1:26-31.
THINK IT THROUGH
Unhappily, relatively few people in every generation have
accepted Jesus' revelation of God's love. Few have been willing
to accept Jesus' life as evidence that the law of God—the value
system that sustains the universe—offers the best possible way
of living. "As the evil passions and purposes of men banished
God from their thoughts, so forgetfulness of Him inclined them
more strongly to evil. The heart in love with sin clothed Him with
its own attributes, and this conception strengthened the power
of sin. Bent on self-pleasing, men came to regard God as such a
one as themselves—a Being whose aim was self-glory, whose
requirements were suited to His own pleasure; a Being by whom
men were lifted up or cast down according as they helped or
hindered His selfish
purpose."—Education,
p. 75.
Are our personal witnessing efforts articulately directed at
the main problem facing men and women—the problem of
depreciating the values God stands for?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 35-38.
98
"Ye Are the Light"
LESSON 12
Monday
December 15
Part 2
THE SYMBOL
OF LIGHT
In what sense are Christians the light of the world?
"God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness,
hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of
the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor. 4:6).
Clearly, Christians are the light of the world only in the sense
of service and not in the sense of having something which
draws attention to themselves or even their church. Even as
they are reflectors rather than sources of light, they should seek
to draw the attention of the world, not to themselves, but to
heaven.
What did Jesus mean when He referred to His disciples as
the light of the world? Matt. 5:14.
As she did at the very outset of her book on the Sermon on the
Mount, Ellen White encourages us to consider the context of
Jesus' remark about believers' being the light of the world.
Clearly, the servant of the Lord wants us to avoid making the
same mistake our spiritual ancestors made. She said: "The
people had come together while it was yet morning. The glori-
ous sun, climbing higher and higher in the blue sky, was chas-
ing away the shadows that lurked in the valleys and among the
narrow defiles of the mountains. . . .
"No other light ever has shone or ever will shine upon fallen
man save that which emanates from Christ. Jesus, the Saviour,
is the only light that can illuminate the darkness of a world lying
in
sin."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
pp. 38, 39.
Consider the impact Jesus had on His hearers, when they
could see shadows disappearing at the very moment they were
listening to the Saviour. The message was plain; consecrated
individuals would clear away misconceptions that had enslaved
the world.
Are we really the light of the world? 1 John 1:5.
More properly, we are reflectors of the Light of the world. "As
Christ is the channel for the revelation of the Father, so we are to
be the channel for the revelation of Christ. . . . The church of
Christ, every individual disciple of the Master, is heaven's ap-
pointed channel for the revelation of God to
men."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 40.
THINK IT THROUGH
What must I do to be an effective channel for the revelation
of God and His values to the world?
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"The Beatitudes"
(Matt. 5:14), pp. 38-44;
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 463, 464.
99
"Ye Are the Light"
LESSON 12
Tuesday
December 16
Part 3
Of what value are our good works?
YOUR GOOD
WORKS
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt.
5:16).
Ever since the fall of mankind, the human family has needed a
point of reference to check the trustworthiness of God's values
and requirements. Being the guardian of freedom that He is,
God does not ask men and women to do anything without first
giving them evidence of His love and concern for them. Hence,
He has always sought to have a people who would communi-
cate His love, thus demonstrating His trustworthiness. In mod-
ern times the word
works
has come to have a negative connota-
tion because it is often associated with pride and the attempt to
earn salvation by obligating God. Actually
works
is a good word,
if it means, for instance, demonstrating the benefits of living our
God's ideals.
Was Jesus taking a risk in encouraging His disciples to let
the world see their good works? Matt. 23:5.
"In like manner the disciples of Christ are set as light bearers
on the way to heaven; through them the Father's mercy and
goodness are made manifest to a world enshrouded in the
darkness of misapprehension of God. By seeing their good
works, others are led to glorify the Father who is above; for it is
made manifest that there is a God on the throne of the universe
whose character is worthy of praise and imitation."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 41.
"Let us remember that a Christlike life is the most powerful
argument that can be advanced in favor of Christianity.... Men
will believe, not what the minister preaches, but what the
church lives. Too often the influence of the sermon preached
from the pulpit is counteracted by the sermon preached in the
lives of those who claim to be advocates of truth."—
Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 21.
What makes works "good"? Matt. 6:1-3.
"Every ray of light that we shed upon others is reflected upon
ourselves. Every kind and sympathizing word spoken to the
sorrowful, every act to relieve the oppressed, and every gift to
the needy, if prompted by a right motive, will result in blessings
to the
giver."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 218.
THINK IT THROUGH
What constitutes the right motive in doing good works?
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"True Motive in Ser-
vice" (Matt. 6:1), pp. 79-83.
100
"Ye Are the Light"
LESSON 12
Wednesday
December 17
Part 4
GLORIFY
YOUR FATHER
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
How may we glorify God, who is all glory?
"I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work
which thou gayest me to do" (John 17:4). (Read also verses 5,
6.)
By revealing God, Jesus glorified God. The highest compli-
ment that can be paid any person is that he or she speaks well of
God. (See Job 42:7.) Often God is portrayed as being like an
earthly despot who demands praise and adulation from his
subjects. But Jesus' life cancels this picture, for in it we see God
wanting nothing more from created beings than that they know
and share His love for them.
What does the Bible mean when it refers to God's glory? "The
word of God reveals His character. He Himself has declared His
infinite love and pity. When Moses prayed, 'Show me Thy glory,'
the Lord answered, 'I will make all My goodness pass before
thee.' Exodus 33:18, 19. This is His glory."—Steps
to Christ,
p.
10.
If God's glory equals His character, then the process of
glorifying God amounts to speaking well of His character by
faithfully living out His principles in our lives. Glorifying God
means worshiping Him as our Friend and Saviour rather than as
a harsh and tyrannical ruler.
"Satan led men to conceive of God as a being whose chief
attribute is stern justice,—one who is a severe judge, a harsh,
exacting creditor. He pictured the Creator as a being who is
watching with jealous eye to discern the errors and mistakes of
men, that He may visit judgments upon them. It was to remove
this dark shadow, by revealing to the world the infinite love of
God, that Jesus came to live among men."—Steps
to Christ,
p.
11.
Is it sufficient for our Christian experience just to admire
God? 2 Cor. 5:11, 14.
Actually true admiration for God involves a compulsion to
share what we know to be true about Him with others. Indif-
ferent admiration is not admiration at all. Ellen White reminds
us, "We are not only to contemplate the glory of Christ, but also
to speak of His excellences. Isaiah not only beheld the glory of
Christ, but he also spoke of Him.... Who can by faith behold the
wonderful plan of redemption, the glory of the only-begotten
Son of God, and not speak of
it?"—Thoughts From the Mount of
Blessing,
p. 43.
Does my life glorify my Creator?
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 576;
Christ's Object Lessons,
"To
Meet the Bridegroom," p. 414;
Counsels to Teachers,
p. 30.
101
"Ye Are the Light"
LESSON 12
Thursday
December 18
Part 5
LIGHT
INVOLVES
CONFIDENCE
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
102
How may we become effective lights for Christ? How may
we put our lights for God on candlesticks?
"Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel,
but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the
house" (Matt. 5:15).
We cannot give what we do not have. We need to study God's
Word in order to be effective witnesses for Him in this world.
What is more, life is not static. From day to day we become more
and more like the things and people we think about and admire.
How can we know the way of salvation? 2 Tim.
3:15.
Ellen White cautions us that "the great work of life is charac-
ter building, and a knowledge of God isthe foundation of all true
education. . . .
"It is a law of the mind that it gradually adapts itself to the
subjects upon which it is trained to dwell. If occupied with
commonplace matters only, it will become dwarfed and enfee-
bled. If never required to grapple with difficult problems, it will
after a time almost lose the power of growth. As an educating
power the Bible is without a
rival."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
p.
596.
As church members, what we really need is firm confidence in
the fact that a study of the Bible, contemplating the stories
recorded there, will refine and polish us. Such study will groom
our tastes and improve our ability to converse with people.
What did Jesus teach that God was willing and able to do?
Matt. 7:11.
The initial sin in heaven was disbelief about the goodness and
wisdom of God. In the end, those who would be saved must
develop precisely the opposite attitude. They, like Job, must be
absolutely, unmovably certain that God is wise and fair and
loving, that He asks only of them what is for their best good.
They must be sealed: "It is not any seal or mark that can be seen,
but a settling into the truth, both intellectually and spiritually, so
they cannot be moved."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
4,
p. 1161. We cannot acquire this level
of confidence in God and in our Saviour without giving consis-
tent attention to the divine character revealed in the 66 books of
the Bible and in the pages of the spirit of prophecy.
How seriously do I take my need for daily contact with the
Word of God?
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 596-599.
"Ye Are the Light"
LESSON 12
Friday
December 19
What does God expect from His light bearers?
"I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of
God more than burnt offerings" (Hosea 6:6).
Some religions speak of sanctifying things, places, animals,
seasons, and heroes of the past, while the character develop-
ment of living believers virtually is ignored. Not so with
Seventh-day Adventist Christianity, for it is about people—
people who are becoming more Christlike all the time.
What ongoing process are believers to experience? 2 Cor.
3:18.
Adventists are not ashamed of emphasizing Christlike
change. They ask, Is it not reasonable to want to change and be
gracious? Sanctification has nothing to do with earning salva-
tion. It has everything to do with admiring the obedience, the
sense of humility, and the effective service displayed so vividly
in Christ's life. "Trials patiently borne, blessings gratefully re-
ceived, temptations manfully resisted, meekness, kindness,
mercy, and love habitually revealed, are the lights that shine
forth in the character in contrast with the darkness of the selfish
heart, into which the light of life has never
shone."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing.
p. 44. Does not a person of this
quality have an enviable life-style?
How does the process of Christlike change occur? 2 Peter
1:3,
4.
"It is not by looking away from Him that we imitate the life of
Jesus, but by talking of Him, by dwelling upon His perfections,
by seeking to refine the taste and elevate the character, by
trying—through faith and love, and by earnest, persevering
effort—to approach the perfect Pattern. By having a knowledge
of Christ—His words, His habits, and His lessons of
instruction—we borrow the virtues of the character we have so
closely studied, and become imbued with the spirit we have so
much admired."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
vol. 6, pp. 1098, 1099.
Part 6
A QUALITY
OF PEOPLE
THINK IT THROUGH
"The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of
sin; it means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with
the graces of the Holy Spirit."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pp.
419, 420. Do we pray for change as well as forgiveness?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 825-827;
Christ's Object Lessons,
"To
Meet the Bridegroom," pp. 419-421.
103
LESSON 13 December 21-27
13.The Two Gates
"Enter ye in at the strait gate: for
wide is the gate, and broad is the way,
that leadeth to destruction, and many
there be which go in thereat. . . .
"Even so every good tree bringeth
forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree
bringeth forth evil fruit" (Matt. 7:13,
17).
"Two roads diverged in a wood,
and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the
difference."
So wrote Robert Frost in his poem
"The Road Not Taken."
The concept of two roads or
gates—one being broad and
appealing, the other, narrow and
foreboding—is common to both
secular and religious literature.
Usually the metaphor of two ways
refers to our struggles with self-will,
in opposition to God's will. Ellen
White offers this interpretation:
"The reason many in this age of the
world make no greater advancement
in the divine life is because they
interpret the will of God to be Just
what they will to do. While following
their own desires, they flatter
themselves that they are conforming
to God's will . These have no conflicts
with self. There are others who for a
time are successful in the struggle
against their selfish desire for
pleasure and ease. They are sincere
and earnest, but grow weary of
protracted effort, of daily death, of
ceaseless turmoil. Indolence seems
inviting, death to self repulsive; and
they close their drowsy eyes and fall
under the power of temptation
instead of resisting it."—
The Acts of
the Apostles,
p. 565.
In an age when many Christians
feel satisfied in merely possessing
some vague notions about God's
promise of forgiveness and
salvation, Adventists stand out in
vivid contrast. Our church
confidently speaks of not only the
desirability of, but the possibility of
real character development, now, in
this life. We believe that God daily
offers both the pardon and the
power we need to effect Christlike
change in our lives.
Adventists look forward to the
state of affairs described in this
popular passage: "The great
controversy is ended. Sin and
sinners are no more. The entire
universe is clean. One pulse of
harmony and gladness beats through
the vast creation. From Him who
created all, flow life and light and
gladness, throughout the realms of
illimitable space. From the minutest
atom to the greatest world, all things,
animate and inanimate, in their
unshadowed beauty and perfect joy,
declare that God is love."
—The
Great. Controversy,
p.
678. Adventists
live the promise of Revelation 21:5,
"Behold, I make all things new."
They believe that "it was His [Jesus']
mission to bring to men complete
restoration; He came to give them
health and peace and perfection of
character."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
p. 17. And Seventh-day
Adventists believe this complete
healing begins now, in this life.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
What You See Is Not What
You Get
(Prov. 14:12)
2.
Think Things Through
(John 17:3)
3.
Self-control Is Required
(Prov. 25:28)
4.
Strivers
(Luke 13:24)
5.
Free to Be Myself
(Matt. 11:28)
6.
Jesus Leads the Way
(John 14:6)
The Two Gates
LESSON 13
Sunday
December 21
Part 1
How do we know which gate to enter? Consider Proverbs
WHAT YOU SEE 14:12.
IS NOT WHAT
YOU GET
"There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end
thereof are the ways of death" (Prov. 14:12).
Choice and taste play a large part in our ability to live a
Christlike life. The more these are indulged selfishly, the more
difficult it is to perceive the right decision in any given situation.
This is what happened to the Pharisees. Unbeknown to them,
Satan had substituted his values and characteristics to the point
that they behaved more satanically when they thought they
were doing God's will.
Psalm 1 speaks of the same principles as the illustration of
the two gates. What does it indicate that makes one way
pleasurable and the other one painful?
God respects freedom, but there are consequences to our
acts. "All along the road that leads to death there are pains and
penalties, there are sorrows and disappointments, there are
warnings not to go on. God's love has made it hard for the
heedless and headstrong to destroy themselves."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 139.
On the contrary, the narrow road may be very rewarding.
"God does not require us to give up anything that it is for our
best interest to retain. . . .
"It is a mistake to entertain the thought that God is pleased to
see His children suffer. All heaven is interested in the happiness
of man. Our heavenly Father does not close the avenues of joy to
any of His creatures. The divine requirements call upon us to
shun those indulgences that would bring suffering and disap-
pointment, that would close to us the door of happiness and
heaven."—Steps
to Christ,
p. 46.
What thoughts do you find in Colossians 3:1, 2 that point out
what helps us choose the right gate?
Speaking of Jacob's all-night struggle with the angel, Ellen
White says, "Jacob, in the great crisis of his life, turned aside to
pray. He was filled with one overmastering purpose—to seek for
transformation of character."—Thoughts
From the Mount of
Blessing,
p. 144. Not making excuses, not procrastinating, not
doubting God's power to change us into the likeness of His
image—this leads the Christian to the right gate.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I really want to educate my tastes and my power of
choice?
FURTHER STUDY
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
p. 84;
Child Guidance,
p. 484.
106
The Two Gates
LESSON 13
Monday
December 22
Part 2
Why is it important to have a correct understanding of God
THINK and Jesus?
THINGS
"This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true
THROUGH God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (John 17:3).
Heaven will be populated with people who have a variety of
opinions on given doctrines. Each individual has specific
spiritual needs; each will emphasize a different aspect of a
given doctrine. However, these varied emphases will all fit on a
spectrum of truthful Bible interpretation. It matters, for in-
stance, that we believe in the mortal nature of man and the
resurrection rather than in the immortality of the soul.
What thought in Luke 24:25-27, 44-48 helps us understand
what the correct interpretation of Scripture has to do with
entering the gate of life?
"In the road to death the whole race may go, with all their
worldliness, all their selfishness, all their pride, dishonesty, and
moral debasement. There is room for every man's opinions and
doctrines, space to follow his inclinations, to do whatever his
self-love may dictate. In order to go in the path that leads to
destruction, there is no need of searching for the way; for the
gate is
wide."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 138.
In the wide gate it not only doesn't matter what we think, it
happens not to matter whether we think at all.
"Satan is constantly endeavoring to attract attention to man
in the place of God. He leads the people to look to bishops, to
pastors, to professors of theology, as their guides, instead of
searching the Scriptures to learn their duty for themselves."—
The Great Controversy,
p. 595.
Why does it matter that we understand Christian doctrine?
John 8:32.
"The position that it is of no consequence what men believe is
one of Satan's most successful deceptions. He knows that the
truth, received in the love of it, sanctif ies the soul of the receiver;
therefore he is constantly seeking to substitute false theories,
fables, another gospel."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 520.
Obviously, what we think and believe effects change in our
lives.
THINK IT THROUGH
Are my theological principles inherited, or are they estab-
lished through personal study?
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 520-523, 528.
107
The Two Gates
LESSON 13
Tuesday
December 23
Part 3
SELF-CONTROL
IS REQUIRED
What is the relation of self-discipline to salvation?
"He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is
broken down, and without walls" (Prov. 25:28).
The Christian's argument against such phenomena as drugs,
alcohol, hypnotism, and spiritualism rests in a belief that these
violate an individual's ability for self-determination. The poten-
tial for personal fulfillment is related to the amount of self-
discipline one has. The Christian finds success in self-discipline
by surrender of his will to God.
How does the will help us in our battle against sin? Phil. 2:13.
"The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be
gaindd is not won by human power. The field of conflict is the
domain of the heart. The battle which we have to fight—the
greatest battle that was ever fought by man—is the surrender of
self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty
of love. The old nature, born of blood and of the will of the flesh,
cannot inherit the kingdom of God. The hereditary tendencies,
the former habits, must be given
up."—Thoughts From the
Mount of Blessing,
p. 141.
Will self-control eliminate sin in our lives? Rom. 7:15-20.
Christians are divided as to whether Romans 7 describes a
pre- or post-conversion state. However, almost all agree that
sanctification is the work of a lifetime. Certainly all the self-
control in the world without a relationship of dependence upon
God is of little ultimate value. But God understands this. "When
it is in the heart to obey God, when efforts are put forth to this
end, Jesus accepts this disposition and effort as man's best
service, and He makes up for the deficiency with His own divine
merit. But He will not accept those who claim to have faith in
Him, and yet are disloyal to His Father's commandment. We
hear a great deal about faith, but we need to hear a great deal
more about works. Many are deceiving their own souls by living
an easy-going, accommodating, crossless religion."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, p. 382.
THINK IT THROUGH
How much time do I spend in prayer and Bible study seeking
to understand the will of God?
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"First the Blade, Then the Ear," pp.
65, 66.
108
The Two Gates
LESSON 13
Wednesday
December 24
Part 4
STRIVERS
In what sense should Christians strive to be saved?
"Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you,
will seek to enter in, and shall not be able" (Luke 13:24).
We live in a time of de-emphasis on striving to keep God's law.
Yet Luke says, "Strive [Greek:
agonizomai]!"
Commenting on
this, Ellen White suggests: "I have stated before them that, from
what was shown me, but a small number of those now profess-
ing to believe the truth would eventually be saved—not because
they could not be saved, but because they would not be saved in
God's own appointed way. The way marked out by our divine
Lord is too narrow and the gate too strait to admit them while
grasping the world or while cherishing selfishness or sin of any
kind. . .
"The words of Christ are plain: 'Strive [agonize] to enter in at
the strait gate.'
"—Testimonies,
vol. 2, pp. 445, 446.
What prevents striving after righteousness from being mere
salvation by works? Phil. 1:21.
"Day by day, and hour by hour, there must be a vigorous
process of self-denial and of sanctification going on within; and
then the outward works will testify that Jesus is abiding in the
heart by faith.... Strive, but let it be in the strength of your risen
Saviour."—Fundamentals of Christian Education,
pp. 136, 137.
What do Micah 6:8 and 7:7-9 say that can help us under-
stand how we can strive and yet remain absolutely dependent
upon God?
"The victory is not won without much earnest prayer, without
the humbling of self at every step. Our will is not to be forced
into co-operation with divine agencies, but it must be voluntar-
ily submitted. Were it possible to force upon you with a hun-
dredfold greater intensity the influence of the Spirit of God, it
would not make you a Christian, a fit subject for heaven."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 142.
We must be convinced that Christ offers a blueprint for living.
We must want to be like Him. We must be fascinated by His
life-style more than by the life-styles of the world's celebrities
and heroes.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I convinced that Jesus' life displays values that are
effective in today's world?
FURTHER STUDY
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
"Not Judging, but
Doing" (Luke 13:24), pp. 141-144.
109
The Two Gates
LESSON 13
Thursday
December 25
Part 5
FREE TO
BE MYSELF
What did Jesus say that helps us see the result of squeezing
through the narrow gate?
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I
will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28).
It is paradoxical but true that the denial of self enhances
personal freedom and therefore peace and satisfaction. Not
that the denial of self means living a shriveled and shallow life;
on the contrary, "the development of all our powers is the first
duty we owe to God and to our fellow
men."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
p. 329.
The narrow gate is the gate of self-worth, the wide one of
selfishness. There is a vast difference between the two.
From Philippians 2:3, what can we pinpoint as the cause of
most of our problems?
"There are many whose hearts are aching under a load of care
because they seek to reach the world's standard. They have
chosen its service, accepted its perplexities, adopted its cus-
toms. Thus their character is marred, and their life made a
weariness. In order to gratify ambition and worldly desires, they
wound the conscience, and bring upon themselves an addi-
tional burden of remorse. The continual worry is wearing out,
the life forces. . . .
"It is the love of self that brings unrest. . . . The value of our
work does not consist in making a show and noise in the world,
and in being active and zealous in our own strength."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 330, 331.
What is the best way to rid our lives of selfishness? Matt.
16:24.
"Whatever your anxieties and trials, spread out your case
before the-Lord. . . The way will be opened for you to disen-
1
tangle yourself from embarrassment and difficulty. The weaken
and more helpless you know yourself to be, the stronger will you
become in His strength. . . .
"In the heart of Christ, where reigned perfect harmony with
God, there was perfect peace. He was never elated by applause,
nor dejected by censure or disappointment. . . .
" ... When our will is swallowed up in the will of God, and we
use His gifts to bless others, we shall find life's burden light."—
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 329-331.
Consider how much of our personal difficulties and embar-
rassments are the results of self-assertion.
Steps to Christ, "Consecration," pp. 43-46.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
110
the Two Gates
LESSON 13
Friday
December 26
Part 6
JESUS LEADS
THE WAY
THINK IT THROUGH
How does Jesus help us through the narrow gate?
"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me" (John 14:6).
One of the great principles of Christianity is that God wouldn't
ask His friends to do anything He would not do. Jesus' life
reveals this to be true. God only asks of His creatures what is for
their best possible good. But for many this concept is difficult to
accept. Few have believed Christ's words, "He that hath seen
me hath seen the Father." Few have transferred what they think
about the Son to what they think about the Father.
In what way does Jesus guarantee the quality of God's
value system or message? John 17:6-8.
"If we ever attain unto holiness, it will be through the renunci-
ation of self and the reception of the mind of Ch rist."—
Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 143.
Jesus lived God's values. By accepting, as Ellen White
suggests, the "mind of Christ," we accept His confidence in the
values of the kingdom of God.
Note this gracious warning: "He who feels whole, who thinks
that he is reasonably good, and is contented with his condition,
does not seek to become a partaker of the grace and righteous-
ness of Christ."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 7.
"There are many in the broad way who are not fully satisfied
with the path in which they walk. . . . They look toward the
narrow way and the strait gate; but selfish pleasure, love of the
world, pride, unsanctified ambition, place a barrier between
them and the Saviour.... They desire the good, they make some
effort to obtain it; but they do not choose it; they have not a
settled purpose to secure it at the cost of all things."—Thoughts
From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 143.
In what sense does Jesus bring the kingdom of heaven to
fulfillment for us in this life? John 15:15, 16.
"As through Jesus we enter into rest, heaven begins here. We
respond to His invitation, Come, learn of Me, and in thus coming
we begin the life eternal. Heaven is a ceaseless approaching to
God through Christ."—The
Desire of. Ages,
p. 331.
Have I accepted Jesus' life as evidence that the principles
Jesus enumerated in the Sermon on the Mount represent the
best way to live?
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pp. 9-12.
111
LARGE-PRINT
.Adult Sabbath School Lessons Available
Large-Print Adult Sabbath School Lestons are available$Com-
pare the two copes held by Elder A. R. Mazat and see what a help
the large print is!
Please send
subscriptions for large-print quarterlies at $6.00 per year
to U.S. addresses, $7.40 per year to addresses outside U.S.
Name
Street
City
State (Province)
Zip
Order through your local church lay activities secretary or your Adventist Book Center. Prices subject to change
without notice.
31P.I-
Ha AR
10
41
618 tOM
BIBLE COMMENTARY
"...
"
.
40,
11..o, •
RIRIE'DICTIONARY
161,11 ATAS
make sure you have
taken advantage of the General Conference session
special offer for purchasing individual volumes or the complete
set of
The SDA Bible Commentary.
Until the end of 1980 you
can make a substantial savings when completing your set. The
regular price of the ten-volume set is US$179.75—now US$149.95.
Individual volumes are regularly US$19.75, now US$16.95. Please
include sales tax as applicable and add 10 percent to cover
mailing costs.
Order from your local Adventist Book Center or
ABC Mailing Service, P.O. Box 37485, Omaha,
Nebraska 68137.
In Canada: ABC Mailing Service, P.O. Box 398,
Oshawa, Ontario L1H 7L5
REVIEW AND HERALD
PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION
rila
ice Seopeti On.
Four titles that will make you richer while
studying this quarter's lessons.
Jesus the Leader
by R. R. Bietz
This book explores the leadership qualities of Jesus. Throughout the centuries most
religious movements which started in a small way developed into powerful forces be-
cause of dedicated and forceful leadership. These movements continued to expand as
long as leaders of vision and dedication were at the helm. U.S. $3.50
Christ Our Salvation
by Hans LaRondelle, Th.D.
The author here reviews the essential truths of the Christian gospel. He does not avoid
the problems that have divided the Christian church for centuries—he faces them with
intellectual vigor and Christian joy. U.S. $4.95.
Understanding the Living Word of God
by Gerhard F. Hasel, Ph.D.
In this fascinating scholarly work, easily read by the thoughtful church member, Dr.
Hasel leads us through such subjects as the eclipse of biblical authority in modem times
and the reasons why; the biblical backgrounds that aid in better understanding the Bible;
and the principles by which the Bible should be read and correctly understood. U.S.
$6.95.
How to Get the Most out of Bible Study
by Leo R. Van Dolson.
In this volume the author helps you to understand what the biblical writers are saying.
The valuable aids to analyzing biblical passages will serve the reader about as well as
college classes would—and for some, even better. U.S. $3.50.
Available now through your local Adventist Book Center, or order through your church
lay activities secretary.
Brought to you by Pacific Press
Prices subject to change without notice.
rj
Tran --Africa
wisior
Rwanda
Zaire
0
lBurundi
Malawi
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Namibia
Botswana
Swaziland
Lesotho
South Africa
lTranskei
A
Project-
500 Rural Churches
Throughout the
Division
Sr
Church Sabbath Schc
Unions
Population Churches Members Members
Central African
7,580,500
598 122,584
229,178
South African
7,789,522
169
16,799
12,306
South-East Africa 5,817,000
211
41,800
91.119
Southern
21,500,469 193 16,081 48,873
Zaire
26,000,000 325 63,318 128,657
Zambesi
7,159.140 283 50,403 81,287
Zambia
4,000,000 231 33,487 109,790
Division Totals
79,846,631 2,010 344,472
701,210
(Figures as of September 1979)